20goldensunlightmine barrickgoldcorporation/smith ... studies 20-27r.pdf ·...

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OCRMW—MTAFLCIO,RestorationStudy,2012–P.100 20GoldenSunlightMine BarrickGoldCorporation/Smith&SonsConstruction ProjectDescription GoldenSunlightmineislocatedinJefferson County,5milesnortheastofWhitehall,and ispresentlyminedutilizingopenpitmeth ods.Theoretreatmentfacilitiesusecarbon inpulptechnologyandSandTailingRe treatmenttoextractgolddeposits. Thepresentreclamationworkundertaken attheGoldenSunlightMine[GSM]serves toemploy1BarrickGoldCorp.[BGC]su pervisorand2fulltimeoperators.Addi tionalremediationworkiscontractedto Smith&SonsConstruction[Whitehall], whichemploys1525fulltimeindividuals basedonanannualcostbudgetarrange mentwithBGC. Currentprojectworkincludesreslopingof minedareas[2:1],coveringtheseareas with3’ofgrowthmedium,installingdrain ages[every140’vertical]andreseeding theareausingMontanaStateCertified seed[consistingof80%nativespecies].The entireprocesstoremediatesectorsofthe propertyaveragestwoyears’time. History GSMfirstsawminingoperationsbeginin 1890,whengoldandsilverspeculatorsfirst discoveredmineraldepositsinwhatbe cameknownasBullMountain.TheGolden SunlightminewasthefirstmineinJeffer sonCountytohaveclaimsregistered. Small,individualparcelscontinuedtobe mineduntil1975whenPlacerDomeInc. [Vancouver,Canada]purchasedthemin eralrights.PlacerDomebeganopenpit miningoperationsin1982,utilizingcyanide heapleachingmethodstoextractthemin eral.Thismethodentailssubmerging crushedorein900,000gallonvatsofcya nide.Goldbecomeswatersolubleinthis cyanidesolution,andthewasterockisre moved,dried,andplacedinwastepiles [Figure207]. Figure201–Previouslyminedareasmustfirstbeslopedata2:1ratio before3’ofgrowthmediumcanbeaddedtothesurface,therebycontain inganypotentialtoxinsandprohibitingthemfromflowingdowngradient intotheJeffersonRiver[Photo:H.Janssen,August2010] Figure202–Reclamationlaboremployedatthesiteconsistsprimarilyof heavyequipmentoperators[Photo:H.Janssen,August2010]

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Page 1: 20GoldenSunlightMine BarrickGoldCorporation/Smith ... Studies 20-27R.pdf · OCRMW—MTAFLCIO,RestorationStudy,2012– P.101 In1985,a19,000,000gallonspillofcyanidelaced wateroccurredattheGSM

OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�100�

20���Golden�Sunlight�Mine�Barrick�Gold�Corporation/Smith�&�Sons�Construction�

Project�Description�Golden�Sunlight�mine�is�located�in�Jefferson�County,�5�miles�northeast�of�Whitehall,�and�is�presently�mined�utilizing�open�pit�meth�ods.�The�ore�treatment�facilities�use�carbon�in�pulp�technology�and�Sand�Tailing�Re�treatment�to�extract�gold�deposits.���The�present�reclamation�work�undertaken�at�the�Golden�Sunlight�Mine�[GSM]�serves�to�employ�1�Barrick�Gold�Corp.�[BGC]�su�pervisor�and�2�full�time�operators.�Addi�tional�remediation�work�is�contracted�to�Smith�&�Sons�Construction�[Whitehall],�which�employs�15�25�full�time�individuals�based�on�an�annual�cost�budget�arrange�ment�with�BGC.��Current�project�work�includes�re�sloping�of�mined�areas�[2:1],�covering�these�areas�with�3’�of�growth�medium,�installing�drain�ages�[every�140’�vertical]�and�re�seeding�the�area�using�Montana�State�Certified�seed�[consisting�of�80%�native�species].�The�entire�process�to�remediate�sectors�of�the�property�averages�two�years’�time.��History�GSM�first�saw�mining�operations�begin�in�1890,�when�gold�and�silver�speculators�first�discovered�mineral�deposits�in�what�be�came�known�as�Bull�Mountain.�The�Golden�Sunlight�mine�was�the�first�mine�in�Jeffer�son�County�to�have�claims�registered.�Small,�individual�parcels�continued�to�be�mined�until�1975�when�Placer�Dome�Inc.�[Vancouver,�Canada]�purchased�the�min�eral�rights.�Placer�Dome�began�open�pit�mining�operations�in�1982,�utilizing�cyanide�heap�leaching�methods�to�extract�the�min�eral.�This�method�entails�submerging�crushed�ore�in�900,000�gallon�vats�of�cya�nide.�Gold�becomes�water�soluble�in�this�cyanide�solution,�and�the�waste�rock�is�re�moved,�dried,�and�placed�in�waste�piles�[Figure�20�7].�

Figure�20�1�–�Previously�mined�areas�must�first�be�sloped�at�a�2:1�ratio�before�3’�of�growth�medium�can�be�added�to�the�surface,�thereby�contain�ing�any�potential�toxins�and�prohibiting�them�from�flowing�down�gradient�into�the�Jefferson�River�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�20�2�–�Reclamation�labor�employed�at�the�site�consists�primarily�of�heavy�equipment�operators�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�101�

In�1985,�a�19,000,000�gallon�spill�of�cyanide�laced�water�occurred�at�the�GSM�site.�This�release�re�sulted�in�litigation,�and�ultimately,�owing�to�se�vere�groundwater�pollution,���necessitated�the�purchase�by�Placer�Dome�of�several�of�GSM’s�neighboring�properties.��Additional�negligent�environmental�impacts�oc�curred�when�migrating�waterfowl�began�to�fre�quent�GSM’s�250�acre�settling�pond�in�1988.�Be�cause�of�the�dangers�this�posed�to�wildlife,�rock�music�was�played�through�loudspeakers�24�hours�per�day�to�prevent�the�waterfowl�from�being�un�knowingly�subjected�to�toxic�wastes�by�landing�on�these�toxic�waters.�This�bird�hazing�practice�has�ceased�since�GSM�has�begun�treating�their�dis�charged�water�prior�to�it�arriving�in�the�settling�ponds.��In�1994,�engineering�errors�resulted�in�the�earth�shifting�beneath�the�mine�site,�with�a�2’�crack�opening�at�the�mine’s�mill�site.�The�mine�was�forced�to�temporarily�cease�activities.��A�Montana�state�voter�initiative�banned�the�use�of�cyanide�in�open�pit�mining�in�November�1998;�however,�due�to�GSM’s�historical�use�of�cyanide,�they�were�granted�a�grandfathered�exemption.��Barrick�Gold�Corp.�[Toronto,�Canada]�made�an�unsolicited�offer�to�acquire�Placer�Dome�Inc.�in�November�2005,�which�it�succeeded�in�purchasing�in�early�2006.�Barrick�Gold�Corp.�has�since�pur�chased�all�the�old�mining�patent�claims�in�the�im�mediate�vicinity.��The�current�void�left�in�the�earth’s�crust,�resulting�from�open�pit�mining�methods,�measures�2,000’�deep�and�¾�mile�in�length.��GSM�currently�employs�approximately�180�indi�viduals�with�an�average�income�of�$54,000/year.�An�additional�26�employees�will�be�added�in�early�2011�to�assist�in�mining�a�recently�permitted�area�north�of�the�GSM�facility’s�area.�This�permit,�which�will�also�include�use�of�cyanide�heap�leaching,�was�granted�by�the�Montana�Depart�ment�of�Environmental�Quality’s�Operating�Ser�vice�Permit�Section.��

Figure�20�3�–�Hungarian�partridge�[Perdix�perdix]�were�intro�duced�to�the�reclaimed�areas�by�a�previous�reclamation�offi�cer�and�continue�to�thrive�around�the�site.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�20�4�–�Reclamation�Supervisor,�Tim�Hockenberry,�observes�one�of�the�drainage�ditches�that�are�constructed�every�140�vertical�feet�to�prevent�expedited�erosion�during�runoff.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�102�

Chronology�Full�time�reclamation�activities�began�in�1999,�with�the�creation�of�a�work�force�specifically�dedicated�to�reclamation.�To�date,�reclamation�activities�have�occurred,�or�are�occurring,�on�a�total�1,400�acres�at�the�GSM�site.���Cost�and�Source�of�Funds�In�2009,�Golden�Sunlight�produced�28,000�ounces�of�gold�at�a�cost�of�$581/ounce.��An�average�from�2007�2009�indicates�that�approxi�mately�$2,000,000�annually�has�been�provided�by�the�mine’s�owners�to�Smith�&�Sons�Construction�for�their�remediation�activities�at�the�GSM�site.��Project�Design�Remediation�design�is�primarily�undertaken�by�Bar�rick�Gold�Corp.�staff�engineers;�however,�it�has�also�been�historically�subcontracted�to�outside�engineer�ing�firms�whose�information�was�not�provided.��Project�Labor�Due�to�the�chemicals�used�to�retrieve�gold�from�ore�at�GSM,�namely�cyanide,�all�employees�working�at�the�Golden�Sunlight�Mine,�including�contracted�and�subcontracted�workers,�are�required�to�have�a�certi�fication�in�Hazardous�Waste�Operations�and�Emer�

gency�Response�[HAZWOPER].�This�certification�con�sists�of�a�one�time�24�hour�course�specifically�for�above�ground�exposure,�with�an�annual�8�hour�re�fresher.��Reclamation�project�labor�is�supplied�by�three�full�time,�benefitted�Barrick�employees.�This�consists�of�one�Reclamation�Superintendent�[~$75,000/year],�and�two�full�time�Level�I�Operators�[$24.50/hr.].���Additional�reclamation�support�is�provided,�via�con�tract,�by�Smith�&�Sons�Construction�[Whitehall].�This�contractor�has�been�undertaking�work�at�the�GSM�site�since�1959,�and�presently�employs�a�total�of�18�on�site,�non�benefitted,�full�time�employees�whose�wages�range�from�$18�20/hr.�Their�continued�em�ployment�and�hours�are�subject�to�an�annual�con�tract�renewal�between�Barrick�Gold�Corp.�and�Smith�&�Sons�Construction.��Reclamation�employment�at�the�site�consists�almost�exclusively�of�truck�drivers,�cat�skinners,�heavy�equipment�operators,�and�general�labor.��Project�Oversight�Project�oversight�is�provided�by�the�Barrick�Gold�Corp,�Reclamation�Superintendent.�

Figure�20�5�–�The�hori�zontal�drainage�ditches�can�be�observed�on�this�reclaimed�section�of�Golden�Sunlight�prop�erty.�Additionally,�the�differences�in�annual�revegetation�are�ob�servable�along�the�verti�cal�axis�separating�the�lush�green�vegetation�[planted�two�years’�previous]�from�the�darker�brown�vegeta�tion�[planted�1�year�previous].�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�103�

Figure�20�7�–�These�large�piles�of�waste�rock�are�then�sloped�to�a�2:1�ratio�using�heavy�equipment.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�20�6�–�Once�the�ore�is�processed�and�the�gold�is�removed,�the�waste�rock�is�disposed�of,�creating�large�mounds�of�processed�rock.�The�trucks�used�to�transport�the�waste�rock�measure�up�to�three�stories�in�height.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�20�9�–�A�state�certified�seed�mixture�is�then�added�to�the�growth�medium,�and�the�site�undergoes�the�installation�of�drainage�ditches�to�prevent�run�off�of�toxic�tailings’�waste.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�20�8�–�Once�the�piles�have�been�sloped,�3’�of�growth�medium�is�added�to�the�rock�piles�and�the�sloped�are�then�re�graded�to�2:1.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�104�

21���Bald�Butte�and�Great�Divide�Reclamation�Projects�Montana�Department�of�Environmental�Quality�

Abandoned�Mine�Lands�Program�

Project�Description�The�Bald�Butte�Millsite�is�located�approxi�mately�17�miles�west�of�Helena,�near�the�headwaters�of�Dog�Creek,�a�tributary�to�the�Little�Blackfoot�River.�Bald�Butte�lies�within�the�historic�Marysville�Mining�District.��The�Great�Divide�Sand�Tailings�site�is�also�lo�cated�within�the�historic�Marysville�Mining�District,�roughly�two�miles�from�the�Bald�Butte�repository,�and�was�consolidated�with�the�Bald�Butte�site�due�to�its�relative�prox�imity�to�the�repository.�The�Great�Divide�area�rests�on�Bureau�of�Land�Management�[BLM]�owned�land,�with�a�portion�of�impacted�areas�resting�on�land�privately�owned�by�the�Great�Divide�Skiing�Company.��The�reclamation�project�undertaken�by�the�Montana�Department�of�Environmental�Qual�ity’s�[MT�DEQ]�Abandoned�Mine�Lands�[AML]�program�was�comprised�of�the�construction�of�an�on�site�repository,�to�contain�approxi�mately�165,000yds³�of�mine�waste,�the�exca�vation�of�historic�mine�waste�from�the�Bald�Butte�historic�mining�site�[estimated�at�125,000�yds³],�and�the�removal�of�historic�mine�waste�from�the�Great�Divide�Sand�Tail�ings�site�[estimated�to�be�40,000yds³].�The�Bald�Butte/Great�Divide�repository�was�con�structed�on�BLM�land,�in�a�central�location�to�both�excavation�projects,�roughly�two�miles�from�each�and�resting�along�the�Continental�Divide.�Final�reclamation�components�consist�of�capping�and�revegetating�the�repository,�re�grading�the�excavated�areas,�re�seeding�the�disturbed�areas�with�native�vegetation,�and�implementing�groundwater�monitoring�sta�tions�to�assess�potential�run�off�from�the�re�pository�site.��History�The�Bald�Butte�mine�site�is�comprised�of�the�Bald�Butte�mine�and�millsite�and�approxi�

Figure�21�2�–�DEQ�AML�Reclamation�Specialist,�Steve�Opp,�stands�amid�abandoned�cyanide�drums�located�on�the�historic�Bald�Butte�mining�site.�These�drums�are�estimated�to�be�stacked�at�depths�of�12’�along�adjacent�Dog�Creek.�Detections�of�cyanide�in�surface�water�may�be�resultant�from�this�disposal�area.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�September�2010]�

Figure�21�1�–This�photo�depicts�an�underground�piping�system�that�is�part�of�a�leachate�collections�system.�This�system�is�designed�to�channel�any�moisture�that�is�in�the�repository�to�one�of�the�two�evaporation�ponds.�This�photo�also�displays�the�erosion�barriers�that�were�installed�at�the�base�of�the�repository�site.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�September�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�105�

mately�12�other�historic�mines�that�include�the�Albion,�the�Devon/Sterling,�the�Larson,�the�Rose�Densmore�and�numerous�others.�Bald�Butte�mine�and�millsite�first�began�re�corded�production�in�1882,�predominantly�of�gold,�silver,�and�lead.�The�Bald�Butte�mill�op�erated�on�a�10�stamp�facility�from�its�incep�tion,�but�upgraded�in�1891�to�a�40�stamp�facility,�which�operated�24�hours�per�day,�over�315�days�per�year.�1896�annual�reports�from�the�mine�list�that�capital�expenditures�were�made�to�restrain�mine�tailings�and�avoid�damage�suits,�this�included�the�acquisi�tion�of�40�acres�adjacent�to�Dog�Creek.�This�land�was�used�to�enlarge�and�strengthen�the�tailings�dam.��1915�operations�mainly�consisted�of�re�processing�old�tailings�with�cyanide,�as�tech�nology�had�improved�to�the�extent�that�this�approach�was�more�economical�than�to�ex�tract�ore.��In�1931,�the�property�opened�as�the�Idamon�Gold�Mining�Corp.,�operating�shortly�thereaf�ter�as�the�Bald�Butte�Gold�Mines�Co.�and�Stratton�and�Stratton�Co.,�also�utilizing�cya�nide�to�reprocess�old�tailings�and�extracted�ore.��1902�1942�mine�site�records�document�167,595�tons�of�ore�processed,�which�re�turned�an�estimated�total�value�of�$3,500,000�in�gold�and�silver.��Molybdenum�exploration�was�conducted�around�the�Bald�Butte�site�in�the�mid�1960s�by�AMAX�Exploration�Inc.���Drilling�was�conducted�in�the�1970s,�resulting�in�anomalously�high�heat�flows.�Subsequent�studies�by�SMU�and�the�US�government�de�termined�that�molybdenum�and�geothermal�prospects�were�not�economically�viable.���The�Albion�and�Devon/Sterling�mines�are�lo�cated�to�the�northeast�of�the�Bald�Butte�fa�cilities.�In�1881,�they�began�processing�ore�in�a�single�stamp�facility.�In�1883,�a�10�stamp�facility�was�constructed.�After�this�time,�the�

Figure�21�3�–�Settling�tanks�that�were�formerly�filled�with�cyanide�used�to�process�ore,�continue�to�house�high�concentrations�of�heavy�metal�wastes.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�September,�2010]�

Figure�21�4�–�An�on�site�repository�was�constructed�to�contain�the�esti�mated�165,000�yds³�of�historic�mining�waste�that�was�excavated�from�both�the�Bald�Butte�and�the�Great�Divide�sites.�Repository�construction�entailed�massive�excavation.�The�completed�repository’s�footprint�measures�300’�x�485’�x�21’.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�September�2010]�

mine�and�mill�both�remained�dormant�for�a�period�of�six�years.�The�Albion�mine�reopened�in�1890�as�part�of�the�Bald�Butte�Mining�Co.,�after�which,�records�no�longer�differenti�ated�between�extractions�and�activities�at�the�two�locations.��The�Great�Divide�Sand�Tailings�Site�is�located�on�the�eastern�slopes�of�Mount�Belmont�and�encompasses�roughly�six��

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�106�

acres.�The�tailings�impoundment�was�re�claimed�by�the�BLM�in�the�1990s�with�installa�tion�of�a�vegetative�cap�and�drainage�ditches�to�control�water�runoff.�The�drainage�ditches,�however,�were�of�insufficient�size�and�have�since�become�plugged�with�sediment.�This�has�resulted�in�uncontrolled�mine�waste�runoff�entering�surface�water�as�well�as�entering�Jennie’s�Fork�of�Silver�Creek�in�the�form�of�sediment.��Due�to�the�mine�waste�consolidating�near�Great�Divide�and�runoff�flowing�into�Jennie’s�Fork,�BLM�and�MT�DEQ�began�investigation�and�design�of�a�reclamation�solution�in�2002.��Chronology�Reclamation�investigations�at�the�Bald�Butte�area�began�in�2002�with�site�investigations�and�soil�and�water�analysis.��Reclamation�activities�were�undertaken�at�the�Great�Divide�Sand�Tailings�area�by�the�BLM�in�the�1990s;�however,�the�construction�of�the�drainage�dips�and�the�cap�placed�upon�the�tailings�impoundment�have�become�ineffec�tive�at�containing�impacted�material,�resulting�in�uncontrolled�releases�into�Jennie’s�Fork�as�well�as�impacted�materials�collecting�within�the�parking�area�of�the�Great�Divide�Ski�Re�sort.���On�site�construction�of�the�Bald�Butte�reposi�tory�began�in�2010,�with�repository�design�work�having�been�conducted�by�Pioneer�Tech�nical�Services�Inc.�[Helena]�in�2009�and�2010.��JEM�Contracting�Inc.�[Billings]�began�on�site�construction�of�the�165,000�yds³�repository�in�summer�2010,�and�the�structure�was�com�pleted�in�the�fall�of�2010.�This�repository�measures�approximately�ten�acres�in�size.��Current�Project�As�of�November�2010,�the�Bald�Butte�and�Great�Divide�reclamation�project�is�roughly�30%�complete.�Future�work�will�consist�of�the�continued�excavation�of�impacted�mine�wastes,�the�re�grading�and�sloping�of�re�claimed�areas,�stream�reconstruction,�reseed�

ing�and�mulching�the�reclaimed�areas,�capping�the�repository,�revegetating�the�repository�area,�and�instituting�ground�and�surface�water�monitoring�systems�to�ensure�that�the�repository�is�not�releas�ing�any�impacted�materials.��

Figure�21�5�–Wood�debris�and�other�waste�materials�were�present�among�the�mine�waste.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ�AML]�

Figure�21�6�–�Excavation,�dewatering,�and�hauling�of�mine�waste�to�the�repository�from�the�Dog�Creek�drainage�were�a�major�component�of�2010�reclamation�activities.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ�AML]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�107�

Cost�and�Source�of�Funds�Total�project�cost�as�of�November�2010�is�listed�as�$4,987,835.��These�funds�reflect�an�American�Recovery�and�Reinvestment�Act�[ARRA]�grant�of�$325,000�sup�plied�by�the�BLM,�with�an�additional�$845,000�provided�by�the�BLM�in�a�non�ARRA�grant.�The�Montana�Department�of�Natural�Resources�and�Conservation�[MT�DNRC]�supplied�a�Reclamation�and�Development�Grant�[RDG]�in�the�amount�of�$300,000.�Final�funding�was�supplied�by�The�De�partment�of�Interior’s�Office�of�Surface�Mine�[OSM]�funds,�which�totaled�$3,517,835.���OSM�funds�arrive�from�a�tax�levied�on�each�ton�of�ore�extracted�from�coal�mine�sites�in�Montana.�These�funds�are�placed�into�a�federal�account.�Ap�proximately�half�of�these�funds�are�then�made�available�to�the�State�of�Montana�to�conduct�abandoned�mine�reclamation�activities.��As�of�November�2010,�$1,909,916�had�been�spent�on�reclamation�activities�for�this�project.��Pre�Project�Planning�&�Testing�Pre�project�planning,�testing,�surveying,�and�docu�

ment�creation�began�in�2002.�These�phases�were�carried�out�by�4�separate�consulting�firms�for�a�total�of�$369,262.�This�figure�reflects�20�separate�billing�invoices�over�seven�years.��Project�Design�Pioneer�Technical�Services�[Helena]�was�contracted�to�design�reclamation�activities�and�provide�con�struction�oversight.�For�their�services,�they�have�re�ceived�a�total�billed�amount�of�$80,139.�This�figure�reflects�1,127�hours�of�engineering�labor�for�$33,007.�Hourly�rates�for�engineers�on�this�project�range�from�$20.20�42.75,�with�a�mean�hourly�wage�of�$29.28.��Project�Labor�All�wages�paid�for�on�site�construction�work�are�based�upon�David�Bacon�prevailing�wage�regula�tions.��JEM�Contracting�Inc.�[Billings]�is�the�primary�con�tractor�for�all�reclamation�activities�at�the�Bald�Butte�and�Great�Divide�sites.�For�their�services,�as�of�No�vember�2010,�they�have�received�$1,829,776�for�7,892�billable�hours.���

Figure�21�7�–�Mine�waste�was�dewa�tered,�excavated,�and�hauled�from�the�Dog�Creek�drainage�to�the�repository�at�the�Bald�Butte�location,�approximately�2�miles�distant.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ�AML]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�108�

JEM�Contracting�Inc.�has�subcontracted�to�Fence�Crafters�[Helena]�and�Northwest�Linings�[Kent,�WA];�however,�subcontractor�labor�figures�have�been�in�corporated�into�the�overall�JEM�labor�totals,�which�equal�$181,743�in�billed�labor�hours.��Fence�Erectors�[$26.82/hr]�have�registered�75�hours�on�the�project,�General�labor�[$26.96/hr.]�is�respon�

sible�for�1139�hours,�Operator�2�[$23.94/hr.]�have�logged�3,894�hours�thus�far,�Truck�Driver�2�[$18.84/hr.]�have�reported�2,146�hours,�and�JEM�site�Super�intendents�[$24.04/hr.]�have�registered�640�hours.��Project�Oversight�Project�oversight�is�being�conducted�by�Steve�Opp,�MT�DEQ�AML�Reclamation�Specialist.��

Figure�21�9�–�Contaminated�waste�rock�near�the�headwaters�of�Dog�Creek�required�removal,�and�was�piled�as�high�as�40’�in�some�areas.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�September�2010]�

Figure�21�8�–�This�aerial�photo�displays�the�immensity�of�the�repository,�which�measures�roughly�10�acres�in�size.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ�AML]��

Figure�21�11�–�This�stone�structure�represents�what�remains�of�the�historical�millsite�at�the�base�of�Bald�Butte�displayed�in�Fig�ure�10.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�September�2010]�

Figure�21�10�–�This�Millsite�at�the�base�of�Bald�Butte�processed�ore�beginning�in�1890.�[Photo:�Property�of�The�Montana�His�torical�Society]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�109�

22���Libby�Asbestos�Superfund�Site�United�States�Environmental�Protection�Agency�

Project�Description�The�Libby�Asbestos�Superfund�site�is�a�cleanup�project�located�in�and�around�the�towns�of�Libby�and�Troy.��Cleanup�and�remediation�activities�in�these�towns�have�occurred�in�eight�separate�Operable�Units�[OUs]�and�were�undertaken�by�the�United�States�Environmental�Protection�Agency�[US�EPA]�for�the�purposes�of�protecting�public�health�and�welfare�and�the�environment�from�actual�or�threatened�releases�of�haz�ardous�substances�into�the�environment.���Historic�mining,�processing,�and�exportation�of�vermiculite�and�vermiculite�concentrate,�known�herein�as�Libby�Asbestos�[LA],�have�necessitated�the�extraction�and�disposal�of�LA�into�a�properly�lined�and�contained�re�pository,�located�at�the�former�mine�site.�Once�all�LA�has�been�re�placed�into�the�mine�site,�the�site�will�be�capped�and�revege�tated.��LA�is�amphibole�asbestos�present�in�ver�miculite�historically�mined�directly�northeast�of�Libby�by�W.R.�Grace�&�Co.�[Grace].�LA�has�been�documented�by�the�US�EPA�to�cause�detrimental�human�health�effects,�namely�mesothelioma�and�autoimmune�disease.�The�primary�focus�of�remedial�action,�which�began�in�1999,�has�been�directed�toward�four�primary�areas:�indoor�dust,�indoor�air,�outdoor�dust,�and�soil.��Vermiculite�has�been�historically�used�in�insulation,�feed�additives,�fertilizer�and�soil�amendments,�construction�materials,�absor�bents,�and�packing�materials.��Vermiculite�is�processed�through�a�process�known�as�“exfoliation,”�which�occurs�through�rapid�heating�of�the�ore�[800�1200º�F].�Invoices�indicate�that�over�10�billion�pounds�of�vermiculite�were�shipped�to�proc�

Figure�22�2�–�Blue�trucks�are�used�to�haul�contaminated�soils�to�the�staging�site�at�the�base�of�the�former�mine�site,�while�red�trucks�are�used�to�haul�the�impacted�soils�up�to�the�mine�site�for�placement�into�the�repository.�Blue�trucks�are�thoroughly�washed�after�depositing�loads,�to�ensure�that�no�contaminated�debris�will�be�released�into�the�air�on�the�return�trip�to�Libby.�[Photo:�Property�of�the�US�EPA]��

Figure�22�1�–�All�impacted�materials�are�saturated�to�ensure�that�con�taminants�are�not�released�into�the�air�during�transport.�[Photo:�Prop�erty�of�the�US�EPA]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�110�

essing�facilities�throughout�the�duration�of�Grace’s�30�year�ownership.��History�1880s�–�Historic�hard�rock�mining�begins�around�the�Libby�area.��Early�1900s�–�Prospectors�first�discover�de�posits�of�vermiculite�on�Rainy�Creek,�north�east�of�Libby.��1919�–�Edward�Alley,�a�Libby�resident,�discov�ers�vermiculite’s�beneficial�insulating�proper�ties�and�files�the�first�claim�for�a�vermiculite�mine�as�the�Zonolite�Company.��1963�–�Grace�purchases�Alley’s�mining�claims�and�begins�operating�mining�and�processing�facilities�[dry�milling�from�1963�to�1985;�wet�milling�from�1985�until�1990].��1960s�to�1990�–�Grace�operates�an�export�plant.�On�site�buildings�bagged�and�exported�milled�ore.���1990�–�Grace�undertakes�remediation�activi�ties,�which�consisted�of�the�demolition�of�all�existing�facilities,�land�recontouring,�and�revegetation.��2007�–�A�settlement�is�reached�between�Grace�and�the�US�government�for�$250,000,000.��Chronology�1999�–�November:�The�US�EPA�initiates�an�Emergency�Response�Action,�addressing�con�cerns�raised�by�Libby�residents�regarding�longterm�exposure�to�LA.���December:�The�EPA�opens�an�Information�Center�in�downtown�Libby�and�begins�evalua�tion�of�LA�in�soils.��1999�to�2002�–�The�US�EPA�investigates�sources�of�contamination.��2001�and�2002�–�US�EPA�removes�several�ma�jor�source�areas,�primarily�located�within�schools�and�public�recreation�areas.�

2002�–�The�US�EPA�constructs�a�special�Class�IV�cell�at�the�Lincoln�County�landfill�specifically�for�asbestos�disposal.�This�cell�is�open�to�all�residents�for�the�disposal�of�any�LA�waste�they�discover�in�and�around�their�properties.�The�US�EPA�also�begins�sampling�and�testing�over�3,000�commer�cial�and�residential�properties�as�part�of�its�Contaminant�Screening�Study.�26�homes�were�remediated.�October:�The�US�EPA�lists�Libby�as�an�official�Superfund�site.�

Figure�22�3�–�Many�local�construction�firms�have�received�free�train�ing�from�the�EPA�in�asbestos�handling�techniques.�This�training�has�provided�many�local�contracting�firms�with�steady�employment�over�the�past�decade.�[Photo:�Property�of�the�US�EPA]�

Figure�22�4�–�Trucks�used�to�transport�impacted�materials�must�cap�their�materials�while�en�route�to�the�repository.�Above,�one�can�ob�serve�the�tarpaulin�beneath�the�truck,�as�well�as�the�tarpaulin�over�hanging�the�back�of�the�truck.�These�serve�as�a�catch�for�any�im�pacted�materials�that�may�inadvertently�miss�the�truck�bed.�[Photo:�Property�of�the�US�EPA]��

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�111�

2003�–�1,200�properties�were�inspected�or�sampled.�157�residential�and�commercial�cleanups,�as�well�as�the�city�boat�ramp,�were�remediated.��2004�–�170�commercial�and�residential�prop�erties,�the�BNSF�rail�yard�and�flyway�property�were�remediated.�The�US�EPA�announces�that�Troy�will�also�be�included�in�cleanup�activities.��2005�–�225�commercial�and�residential�prop�erties�were�remediated;�investigations�are�begun�to�coordinate�cleanup�activities�in�Troy.����2006�–�216�commercial�and�residential�prop�erties�were�remediated;�an�Outdoor�Ambient�Air�sampling�project�begins.��2007�–�160�commercial�and�residential�prop�erties�were�remediated;�sampling�projects�are�undertaken�in�Troy.��2008�–�149�residential�and�commercial�clean�ups�in�Libby�and�Troy.�Work�began�on�local�creeks�contaminated�with�impacted�rip�rap.��2009�–�159�commercial�and�residential�prop�erties�were�remediated;�removal�actions�oc�curred�at�the�Cabinet�View�Golf�Course,�Pipe�and�Libby�Creeks.���Community�Figures�The�Libby�Asbestos�Superfund�project�only�addresses�the�removal�of�asbestos;�the�Libby�Groundwater�Contamination�Superfund�is�a�separate�project.���As�of�September�2010,�2,550�of�3,800�proper�ties�have�met�the�criteria�to�qualify�for�EPA�cleanup.�Cleanup�time�for�a�residence�ranges�from��three�days�to�three�weeks,�dependent�upon�cleanup�scale.�Residents�are�provided�with�local�hotel�accommodations�and�per�diem�while�displaced.�Cleanup�activities�occur�24�hours�per�day.��Current�Project�Cleanup�activities�involve�the�removal�and�disposal�of�LA�laden�vermiculite�in�and�around�

the�communities�of�Libby�and�Troy.�Approaches�taken�by�the�US�EPA�for�outdoor�cleanup�typically�remove�the�top�12”�of�soil,�where�another�sample�is�taken�to�assess�the�extent�of�soil�contamination.�Soils�can�be�removed�to�depths�of�3’.�Clean�soil�is�brought�in�from�the�Libby�Creek�area,�14�miles�north�of�Libby.�Clean�soils�are�tested�every�3,000�yds³�to�en�sure�that�replacement�soils�are�not�also�contaminated.�All�employees�working�on�site�are�required�to�possess�a�current�Hazardous�Waste�Operations�and�Emergency�Response�

Figure�22�5�–�Heavy�equipment�operators�comprise�a large�portion�of�labor�working�upon�the�Libby�Asbestos�Superfund�Cleanup.�[Photo:�Property�of�the�US�EPA]�

Figure�22�6�–�Vermiculite�serves�as�an�excellent�insulator�and�has�been�historically�used�in�attics�to�prevent�heat�loss.�W.R.�Grace�in�voices�indicate�that�over�10�billion�pounds�of�vermiculite�were�shipped�to�processing�facilities�between�1963�and�1990.�[Photo:�Property�of�the�US�EPA]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�112�

[HAZWOPER]�Certification.�The�EPA�offers�this�course�and�its�an�nual�refresher,�as�well�as�courses�in�Contractor�Supervisor�Asbes�tos�training,�and�its�refresher,�free�of�charge,�several�times�per�year.�This�service�enables�the�US�EPA�to�contract�local�firms�for�cleanup�activities�without�requir�ing�them�to�expend�capital�on�training.�Active�remediation�will�continue�for�the�next�2�3�years.��

Cost�and�Source�of�Funds�W.R.�Grace�agreed�to�a�settlement�of�$250,000,000�in�2007�to�reim�burse�the�federal�government�for�costs�associated�with�the�investi�gation�and�cleanup�of�asbestos�contamination�in�and�around�the�towns�of�Libby�and�Troy.�This�agreement�was�reached�between�W.R.�Grace,�the�US�Justice�Depart�ment,�and�the�US�EPA.��The�following�is�a�list�of�US�EPA�responsibilities�according�to�this�settlement�agreement:�con�tracting�all�testing�and�sampling,�establishing�the�presence�of�a�Community�Involvement�Co�ordinator�in�Libby,�contracting�for�physical�cleanup�work,�contracting�truck�drivers�for�transporting�impacted�materials�and�replace�ment�soils,�contracting�security�firms�to�guard�property�24�hours�per�day�during�cleanup�ac�tivities�[preventing�unlawful�entry�and�theft],�contracting�construction�crews�to�replace�areas�of�affected�houses,�and�contracting�heavy�equipment�operators�to�extract�impacted�soils.��Project�Design�Project�design�has�been�completed�by�the�US�Army�Corps�of�Engineers.�Pre�Project�Planning�&�Testing�Site�testing�is�conducted�at�the�behest�of�the�US�EPA.��Laboratory�services�are�provided�by�EMSL�and�ESAT�Laboratories�[Libby],�as�well�as�US�EPA�soil�prep�and�contract�laboratories�in�Troy�and�

Libby.�50%�of�test�samples�are�processed�in�Libby,�while�the�other�half�is�sent�to�off�site�laboratories.��Project�Labor�As�of�February�2011,�$109,665,853�has�been�spent�on�cleanup�activities.���Hazardous�Waste�Operations�and�Emergency�Re�sponse�Standard�[HAZWOPER]�certification�and�a�special�course�in�asbestos�awareness�are�required�for�all�on�site�employees.�These�courses�are�pro�vided�free�of�charge�by�the�US�EPA�in�Libby,�several�times�per�year.��There�is�no�wage�increase�for�possessing�the�above�certifications;�they�are�merely�a�site�requirement.��By�September�2010,�over�800,000yds³�of�impacted�soils�had�been�returned�to�the�mine�site.�This�figure�represents�over�80,000�semitrailer�loads�of�LA�tainted�soils.��Soil�suppliers�have�played�a�key�role�in�the�restora�tion�activities,�bringing�in�soils�from�Libby�Creek�to�replace�impacted�soils�that�have�been�removed.�

Figure�22�7�–�Testing�and�sampling�procedures�adopted�by�the�US�EPA�entail�the�thor�ough�investigation�of�all�structures,�as�well�as�the�sampling�of�soils�on�a�property.�3,800�properties�were�investigated,�and�as�of�September�2010,�1,465�have�undergone�cleanup�activities. [Photo:�Property�of�the�US�EPA]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�113�

Every�3,000�yds³�of�replacement�soil�is�tested�to�confirm�that�they�have�not�been�inadvertently�im�pacted.�Local�firms�that�have�supplied�replacement�soils�include�Noble�Excavating,�Wards�Trucking,�Chapman�Construction,�and�Remps�Sand�and�Gravel.��Household�construction�workers�have�also�been�es�sential�throughout�this�cleanup�project.�Specifically,�drywallers,�electricians,�insulators,�lumber�yard�workers,�and�landscapers.�

Project�Oversight�The�US�EPA�is�responsible�for�all�project�oversight;�however,�the�US�Army�Corps�of�Engineers�serves�as�the�contracting�mechanism�for�project�activities.��The�lead�contractors�are:��CDM�and�Project�Re�sources,�Inc.�(Denver),�and�Environmental�Restora�tion�(Missoula).�

Figure�22�9�–�Cleanup�activities�require�all�on�site�employees�to�wear�Tyvek�Biohazard�suits.�Additionally,�HAZWOPER�certi�fication�and�successful�completion�of�an�asbestos�awareness�course,�both�provided�for�free�by�EPA�officials,�are�manda�tory.�[Photo:�Property�of�the�US�EPA]�

Figure�22�11�–�Cleanup�crews�working�to�remove�LA�from�indoor�areas�have�been�working�24�hours�per�day�for�the�past�several�years.�[Photo:�Property�of�the�US�EPA]�

Figure�22�8�–�Residents�are�provided�the�opportunity�to�de�lineate�where�they�would�not�like�extraction�activities�to�oc�cur�[i.e.�vegetable�and�flower�gardens,�beneath�large�trees,�etc.];�however,�the�EPA�will�replace�100%�of�impacted�soils�on�ones’�property,�if�desired.�[Photo:�Property�of�the�US�EPA]�

Figure�22�10�–�This�image�displays�the�various�stages�of�as�bestos�and�vermiculite�throughout�processing.�From�the�top�left,�clockwise:�LA;�the�formation�of�vermiculite�and�LA�as�formed�in�the�mountain;�vermiculite�in�chunk�rock�form;�exfo�liated�or�“popped”�vermiculite;�vermiculite�before�it�has�been�“popped”;�mine�tailings�that�remain�from�vermiculite�process�ing.[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�September�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�114�

23���McLaren�Adit�Closure�and�Road�Reclamation�United�States�Forest�Service,�Gallatin�National�Forest�

Project�Description�Construction�work�at�the�McLaren�Adit,�which�has�also�been�called�the�Winter�Tun�nel,�commenced�in�August�2010.�This�site�rests�to�the�northeast�of�Cooke�City�in�the�“New�World�Mining�District.”�A�construction�contract�was�awarded�to�the�Knife�River�Corp.�[Billings]�in�the�amount�of�$1,166,100�by�the�United�States�Forest�Service�[USFS],�Gallatin�National�Forest�[GNF].��Construction�activity�consists�of�installing�an�adit�water�collection�system�[a�concrete�drop�inlet�structure�measuring�4’�in�diameter�x�5’�tall�seen�in�Figure�23�8],�constructing�and�installing�a�pipeline�system�leading�to�the�infiltration�gallery�where�adit�water�will�now�be�diverted�[the�infiltration�gallery�measures�30’x20’x5’],�burying�657’�feet�of�8”�HDPE�drain�piping�to�carry�water�from�the�adit�to�the�infiltration�system,�spreading�30�yds³�of�class�II�riprap�and�241�yds³�of�bedding�gravel.�Lastly,�a�lime�amendment�will�be�incorpo�rated�into�the�top�6”�of�soil,�by�use�of�a�disc�or�harrow,�at�a�rate�of�10�tons/acre.�The�lime�amendment�will�bind�to�affected�soils,�neu�tralizing�their�pH,�and�permitting�vegetation�to�re�establish�itself.��Additional�site�work�consists�of�compacting�the�soil�surrounding�the�adit,�re�grading�the�area�in�front�of�the�adit,�and�reseeding�the�impacted�area.�Road�maintenance�will�also�be�conducted�on�roughly�30�miles�of�USFS�roads�around�the�project�site;�however�this�will�not�occur�until�mine�reclamation�activi�ties�are�complete.��Historically,�impacted�water�flowed�year�round�from�McLaren�Adit�into�Daisy�Creek�at�a�rate�of�roughly�10�gallons�per�minute;�how�ever,�this�water�will�now�be�channeled�into�the�infiltration�gallery,�where�it�will�then�be�deposited�into�the�greater�groundwater�sys�tem.�This�action�will�permit�the�water�to�be�treated�via�processes�of�natural�filtration.�

History�1870s�–�Gold�prospectors�begin�arriving�at�what�became�known�as�the�“New�World�Mining�District,”�just�outside�of�Cooke�City.���1874�–�The�first�claims�are�placed�on�mines�in�the�district.��

Figure�23�2�–�Iron�saturated�water�is�responsible�for�much�of�the�discoloration�of�the�effluent�removed�from�the�adit.�[Photo:�Property�of�USFS]�

Figure�23�1�–�The�above�depicts�the�removal�of�the�48”�culvert�dis�charge�pipe�that�previously�served�to�direct�discharged�water�out�of�the�adit.�[Photo:�Property�of�USFS]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�115�

1876�–�Smelters�begin�to�be�erected�through�out�the�area�for�the�purposes�of�reducing�ore�to�bullion.��1882�–�The�McLaren�mine�section�of�land,�which�rested�on�Crow�Reservation�lands,�was�opened�to�settlement,�as�the�reservation�size�was�decreased.��1926�–�The�New�World�Mining�District�be�comes�the�third�largest�producer�of�precious�metals�in�Montana.��1933�–�The�McLaren�site�began�functioning�as�a�proposed�Gold�[Au],�Silver�[Ag],�and�Copper�[Cu]�mine.��1996�–�Crown�Butte�Mines�served�as�owners�of�the�McLaren�site�until�August,�when�a�set�tlement�was�reached�between�them�and�the�USFS.��Also�in�1996,�an�Environmental�Impact�State�ment�[EIS]�was�performed�by�the�USFS�and�the�Montana�Department�of�Environmental�Quality�[MT�DEQ].��1998�–�The�President�Bill�Clinton�proposed�a�$65,000,000�buyout�of�all�New�World�Mining�District�mineral�interests�in�the�area.�This�in�cluded�the�McLaren�site.�$22,500,000�was�set�aside�to�be�used�by�the�USFS�for�cleanup�of�the�historic�mine�workings.��2001�–�Maxim�Technologies�re�opens�the�closed�McLaren�Adit�to�conduct�an�investiga�tion�into�the�extent�and�magnitude�of�associ�ated�tailings�waste.��2003�–�The�MT�DEQ�is�contacted�by�local�resi�dents�with�regard�to�proposed�reclamation�activities�associated�with�the�McLaren�Adit.��Chronology�2004�–�USFS�drafts�an�Engineering�Evaluation/Cost�Analysis�[EE/CA]�to�address�the�specific�costs�and�options�associated�with�the�McLaren�Adit�closure�and�the�reclamation�of�the�surrounding�environment.�

2005�–�Tetra�Tech�[Helena�and�Billings�offices]�is�awarded�the�engineering�and�consulting�contract�for�road�rehabili�tation�design.�Tetra�Tech�was�also�awarded�the�contract�for�designing�the�Adit�closure�in�2009.��2010�–�A�construction�contract�is�awarded�to�Knife�River�Corp.�[Billings].�In�September,�construction�work�at�the�McLaren�Adit�began.��

Figure�23�3�–�Heavy�equipment�operators�from�Knife�River�Corp.�[Billings]�were�responsible�for�all�of�the�earthmoving�and�the�installa�tion�of�the�adit�closure�elements.�[Photo:�Property�of�USFS]�

Figure�23�4�–�Removing�all�obstructions�to�water�flow�permitted�the�mine�to�discharge�at�a�rate�of�10�gallons�per�minute,�year�round.�This�effluent�had�been�running�into�Daisy�Creek,�but�with�a�new�infiltra�tion�gallery�in�place,�it�will�now�be�directed�back�into�the�greater�groundwater�system�to�undergo�processes�of�natural�filtration.�[Photo:�Property�of�USFS]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�116�

Current�Project�Construction�services�provided�by�Knife�River�are�approximately�15%�complete,�and�will�resume�dur�ing�the�2011�construction�season.�Activities�will�con�sist�of�soil�treatment�with�a�lime�amendment,�ero�sion�control,�rill�and�gully�repair,�weed�control,�and�culvert�maintenance.�Additionally,�all�road�work�is�being�delayed�until�mine�reclamation�activities�are�complete,�so�as�to�not�disturb�the�roads�with�heavy�equipment.��All�contracted�construction�activities�are�to�be�com�plete�by�October�2011,�with�ongoing�New�World�Mine�District�site�care�and�maintenance�programs�continuing�for�at�least�30�years.��Cost�and�Source�of�Funds�Total�funding�allotted�for�this�project�is�$1,274,178.�These�funds�have�been�contracted�for�design,�plan�ning,�and�construction�purposes�only.���Additional�funding�will�be�supplied�to�USFS�employ�ees�for�oversight.�This�is�projected�to�be�2�3%�of�the�total�contract�costs�[$24,741�$37,112].���All�funding�for�this�project�arrived�in�1998�from�fed�eral�government�funds�set�aside�to�address�mine�closure�and�reclamation�activities�in�the�historic�New�World�Mining�District.�

Project�Design�Tetra�Tech�[Helena�and�Bozeman�offices]�supplied�the�design�plan�for�the�reclamation�activities�occur�ring�at�the�McLaren�Adit.���This�labor�has�consisted�primarily�of�designing�a�de�watering�system,�formulating�design�plans�for�mobi�lization�of�earthen�banks,�designing�a�practical�adit�closure�approach,�and�designing�road�maintenance�projects.���Tetra�Tech�was�awarded�a�contract�from�the�USFS�for�$70,967�in�2005�for�indirect�costs,�labor�costs,�and�overhead.�They�completed�their�design�work�in�2010,�totaling�677�hours�of�billed�labor,�for�a�mean�rate�of�$104.95/hr.��Project�Labor�Construction�labor�is�being�provided�by�the�Knife�River�Corporation�[Billings].�To�date,�they�have�re�ceived�$171,033�for�their�services.�This�reflects�roughly�300�hours�of�labor,�materials,�and�indirect�costs.�Labor�provided�by�Knife�River�consists�of�Heavy�Equipment�Operators�and�general�laborers.���All�construction�employees�working�on�site�receive�Davis�Bacon�wages.��Project�Oversight�Project�oversight�is�being�provided�by�Peter�Werner,�

Gallatin�National�Forest�Min�ing�Engineer.���To�date,�USFS�oversight�has�totaled�154�hours.�Oversight�funding�also�arrives�from�the�general�New�World�Mining�District�cleanup�funds.�The�cost�of�USFS�personnel�on�the�McLaren�Adit�project�is�esti�mated�to�add�2�3%�to�the�total�project�costs�[$24,741�$37,112].��

Figure�23�5�–�This�photo�depicts�the�preparation�for�the�adit�area�drop�inlet�structure.�[Photo:�Property�of�USFS]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�117�

Figure�23�7�–�This�pond�collected�sediment�when�adit�water�was�discharged�to�the�surface.�It�will�be�replaced�in�2011�with�the�infiltration�gallery�shown�in�Figure�9.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen.�October�2010]�

Figure�23�9�–�The�infiltration�gallery�shown�above�will�be�fully�functioning�in�2011.�It�will�replace�the�previously�existing�sedi�ment�pond�displayed�in�Figure�7.�[Photo:�Property�of�USFS]�

Figure�23�6�–�Workers�construct�the�trench�that�will�transfer�adit�water�to�the�infiltration�gallery.�[Photo:�Property�of�USFS]�

Figure�23�8�–�Ground�water�monitoring�devices�were�installed�to�help�measure�the�flow�of�run�off�from�the�adit.�This�photo�also�depicts�the�concrete�drop�inlet�structure�that�serves�to�redirect�adit�water�to�the�infiltration�gallery.�[Photo:�Property�of�USFS]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�118�

24���McLaren�Tailings�Mine�Site�Reclamation�Project�Montana�Department�of�Environmental�Quality�

Abandoned�Mine�Lands�Program��

Project�Description�The�McLaren�Tailings�Mine�Site�is�an�aban�doned�hardrock�mine/mill�site�located�on�the�outskirts�of�Cooke�City�in�Park�County.�This�mine/mill�site�was�a�key�component�of�the�historical�New�World�Mining�District.�The�site�encompasses�roughly�20�acres�and�lies�500’�south�of�Montana�Highway�212.��This�reclamation�project,�undertaken�by�the�Montana�Department�of�Environmental�Quality’s�[MT�DEQ]�Abandoned�Mine�Lands�Program�[AML],�consists�of�the�construction�of�an�on�site�repository,�the�excavation�of�on�site�mine�tailings�[Figure�24�1],�the�place�ment�of�an�estimated�237,000�yds³�of�mine�waste�into�the�repository�[Figure�24�3],�and�the�capping�of�the�repository�with�an�18”�multi�layered�cap�that�will�prevent�precipita�tion�infiltration�and�percolation.�Processes�involved�in�this�action�include�drying�mine�tailings,�amending�affected�components�with�roughly�13,000�tons�of�lime,�thus�reducing�the�pH�of�contaminated�soils,�and�re�routing�adjacent�Soda�Butte�Creek�to�its�historic�path.��The�purpose�of�this�project�is�to�improve�human�health�and�the�environment�by�iso�lating�historic�mine�wastes�from�the�natural�environment�and�the�public.�The�McLaren�Tailings�presently�discharge�acid�mine�drain�age�into�Soda�Butte�Creek,�which�then�ar�rives�in�Yellowstone�National�Park�approxi�mately�five�miles�downstream.���History�1869�–�Placer�gold�deposits�are�discovered�near�Upper�Soda�Butte�Creek,�with�claims�being�filed�the�following�year.�At�the�time�of�discov�ery,�the�New�World�Mining�District�was�part�of�the�Crow�Reservation,�and�mining�occurred�only�via�trespass�on�Native�American�lands.���

1882�–�Crow�Reservation�boundaries�were�reduced,�and�the�New�World�Mining�District�was�no�longer�on�Reservation�lands.���1889�–�The�Montana�State�Mining�Inspector�docu�mented�three�smelting�facilities�in�the�New�World�Mining�District.�

Figure�24�2�–�A�monitoring�well�that�was�installed�to�assist�in�measuring�groundwater�contamination.�There�are�17�such�wells�on�site.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

Figure�24�1�–�Tailings�being�excavated�from�the�former�McLaren�mill�site.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�119�

�1933�–�McLaren�Gold�Mines�Co.�discovered�a�deposit�[quickly�named�the�McLaren�Deposit]�on�Henderson�Mountain.�This�mine�ore�con�sisted�of�limestone�and�shale.��1934�–�A�flotation�mill�and�tailings�impound�ment�were�both�constructed�near�Cooke�City.�The�mill,�known�as�the�McLaren�Mill,�produced�gold�and�copper,�which�were�then�shipped�to�Anaconda�for�smelting.��1937�–�Additional�ore�deposits�were�discovered�and�the�mill�was�expanded�to�accommodate�increased�capacity.��1938�–�During�mill�operations,�neighboring�Soda�Butte�Creek’s�channel�was�filled�with�tail�ings�and�the�stream�pushed�into�a�ditch�and�culvert�running�along�the�south�side�of�the�property.��1953�–�The�McLaren�Mine�ceased�operations,�as�it�was�no�longer�profitable.��1960s�–�Soda�Butte�Creek�[Figure�24�4]�is�docu�mented�by�Yellowstone�Park�officials�as�being�the�most�polluted�stream�entering�the�Park.��Chronology�1969�–�Bear�Creek�Mining,�a�subsidiary�of�Ken�necott�Corp.,�rehabilitated�the�site�by�covering�the�eroding�tailings�with�soil.�At�this�time,�all�on�site�buildings�were�also�demolished�and�a�new�channel�was�excavated�for�Soda�Butte�Creek�along�the�north�side�of�the�tailings�impound�ment.��1988�–�The�site�is�subject�to�an�Emergency�Re�sponse�Action�by�the�United�States�Environ�mental�Protection�Agency�[US�EPA],�which�en�courages�Kennecott�Corp.�to�perform�correc�tive�actions�at�the�site.��1991�–�Kennecott’s�corrective�actions�from�1988�are�deemed�by�the�US�EPA�to�be�ineffec�tive�at�containing�the�tailings.��1993�–�Pioneer�Technical�Services�performs�a�site�investigation�at�the�request�of�the�State�of�

Montana.�This�report,�presented�to�the�Bureau�of�Reclama�tion,�details�numerous�environmental�and�engineering�con�cerns.��1994�–�A�response�detailing�reclamation�activities�is�pre�pared�by�Pioneer�Technical�Services�for�the�Bureau�of�Recla�mation.��

Figure�24�3�–�This�tractor�is�piling�the�tailings�into�the�on�site�repository.�Tailings�are�dried�and�then�mixed�with�lime,�forming�Calcium�Oxide�(CaO),�whereby�the�soils’�pH�is�neutralized.�The�tailings�can�then�be�placed�in�the�repository.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

Figure�24�4�–�Soda�Butte�Creek�runs�adjacent�to�the�project�site.�Its�wa�ters�have�turned�rust�colored�and�become�sterile�owing�to�iron�deposits�released�into�the�waterway�from�the�historic�tailings.�This�creek�runs�directly�into�Yellowstone�National�Park,�which�is�roughly�5�miles�to�the�west.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�120�

�2000�–�At�the�request�of�MT�DEQ,�Pioneer�Technical�Services�conducts�a�limited�site�in�vestigation,�including�sediment,�surface�wa�ter,�and�tailings�sampling.��2001�–�Pioneer�Technical�Services�conducts�a�geotechnical�investigation,�which�included�the�installation�and�sampling�of�multiple�bore�holes�in�the�tailings�area,�as�well�as�conduct�ing�tests�at�several�backhoe�test�pits.��2010�–�June:�Construction�work�on�the�waste�repository�begins.�In�addition,�work�to�build�and�upgrade�bridges�and�roads,�as�well�as�the�excavation�of�the�sediment�detention�basin�is�undertaken.�Lastly,�the�construction�of�the�on�site�water�treatment�facility�was�begun�[Figure�24�6].�Construction�activity�at�the�site�is�limited�by�severe�winter�weather,�and�in�2010,�seasonal�construction�activity�ceased�in�October.��2010�–�December:�Proposed�plans�to�haul�mine�tailings�to�Whitehall,�where�the�Golden�Sunlight�Mine�would�reprocess�the�tailings,�extracting�the�remaining�gold�using�contem�porary�technologies,�were�shelved�owing�to�difficulties�in�acquiring�the�requisite�permits�for�transport�through�Wyoming�to�the�Golden�

Figure�24�5�–�This�hillside�has�already�undergone�remediation�activities.�It�has�been�covered�with�a�coconut�skin�ground�cloth�to�help�spur�vege�tation�growth�while�preventing�erosion.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

Figure�24�6�–�Workers�construct�the�on�site�water�treatment�building�where�contaminated�water�will�be�mixed�with�hy�drated�lime,�forming�Calcium�Hydroxide,�[Ca]OH².�This�combi�nation�forms�metal�oxides,�which�will�then�sink�to�the�base�of�set�tling�ponds.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

Sunlight�Mine.�Current�Project�The�McLaren�Tailings�reclamation�project�is�projected�to�oc�cur�over�a�six�year�period,�with�2010�as�the�first�year.�Activi�ties�at�the�site�will�continue�until�2015.��2011�reclamation�activities�will�consist�of�the�continued�ex�cavation�of�mine�tailings,�continued�construction�of�the�wa�ter�treatment�facilities,�and�continued�amendment�of�im�pacted�soils�with�lime.�To�accommodate�all�impacted�tailings�and�mine�waste�on�site,�Knife�River�will�deepen�the�mine�waste�repository.�The�water�treatment�facility’s�construction�is�projected�to�be�completed�in�2011,�and,�once�complete,�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�121�

Cost�and�Source�of�Funds�The�McLaren�Tailings�Reclamation�project�has�re�ceived�$20,148,197�in�total�funding.�The�majority�of�these�funds�arrived�from�the�US�Department�of�Inte�rior’s�Office�of�Surface�Mines�[OSM].��OSM�funds�arrive�from�a�tax�levied�on�each�ton�of�ore�extracted�from�coal�mine�sites�in�Montana.�These�funds�are�placed�into�a�federal�account.�Ap�proximately�half�of�these�funds�are�then�made�avail�able�to�the�State�of�Montana�to�conduct�abandoned�mine�reclamation�activities.��An�additional�$300,000�was�provided�from�the�Mon�tana�Department�of�Natural�Resources�and�Conser�vation�[DNRC]�in�the�form�of�a�Reclamation�and�De�velopment�Grant�[RDG].��Project�Design�Project�design�was�undertaken�by�Pioneer�Technical�Services�[Billings].��Pioneer�Technical�Services�received�$217,919�for�their�engineering�oversight�services�in�2010.��This�design�and�engineering�work�reflects�2,757�hours�of�labor.�This�was�provided�by�a�Principal�Pro�ject�Manager�[45�hrs.],�a�Senior�Engineer�[315�hrs.],�a�CADD�specialist�[172�hrs.],�Senior�Design�and�Tech�nical�support�[315�hrs.],�Clerical�work�[135�hrs.],�a�

Project�Manager�[97�hrs.],�a�Project�Engineer�[1�hr.],�a�Senior�Project�Manager�[575�hrs.],�a�Principal�Engi�neer�[18�hrs.],�a�Project�Scientist�[990�hrs.],�a�Staff�Scientist�[19�hrs.],�a�Staff�Engineer�[62�hrs.],�and�a�Technician�[13�hrs.].�Pioneer�wages�range�from�$12�40.89/hr.��Energy�Laboratories�[Billings]�was�also�contracted�for�some�sampling�work�in�2010,�for�which�they�re�ceived�$715.��Project�Labor�Knife�River�Corp.�[Billings]�is�serving�as�the�lead�con�tractor�on�this�project.�They�have�subcontracted�some�excavation�work�to�Cop�Construction�[Billings],�as�well�as�subcontracting�labor�for�plumbing,�electri�cal,�and�truck�driving�to�four�separate�firms.�The�total�number�of�construction�labor�hours�for�2010,�amongst�all�firms,�equaled�9,188�hours,�for�which�Knife�River�received�$3,905,392.�This�figure�includes�all�subcontractor�payments.�The�majority�of�labor�has�been�provided�in�the�form�of�Heavy�Equipment�Operators�[4,077�hrs]�and�General�Laborers�[2,108�hrs].��Cop�Construction,�a�subcontractor,�represents�or�ganized�labor�in�the�form�of�their�on�the�ground�personnel;�however,�Cop�Construction�administra�tors�do�not�receive�union�wages�or�benefits.�

Figure�24�7�–�Workers�will�mix�an�estimated�13,000�tons�of�lime�with�the�tailings�on�site.�Special�machinery�was�imported�by�Knife�River�from�Finland�to�inject�a�lime�mixture�of�3�5%�into�the�tailings.�This�mixture�is�then�churned�by�excavators�to�ensure�that�the�process�is�achieving�maximum�efficacy.�Employees�from�ALLU,�the�Fin�nish�manufacturer�of�this�equip�ment,�were�on�site�to�help�im�plement�this�technology.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�122�

Knife�River�purchased�a�specialized�Pressure�Feeder�and�Mixer�[Figure�24�7]�from�ALLU,�a�Finnish�com�pany,�for�the�purposes�of�applying�the�lime�amend�ment�mixture.�As�part�of�this�purchase,�ALLU�also�agreed�to�provide�on�site,�set�up�labor�for�this�ma�chine.�Four�Finnish�laborers�were�on�site�in�Cooke�City�for�20�days�throughout�the�2010�construction�operations.�

Project�Oversight�Project�oversight�was�conducted�by�MT�DEQ,�with�primary�oversight�provided�by�Tom�Henderson,�Montana�Department�of�Environmental�Quality�Abandoned�Mine�Lands�Specialist.�MT�DEQ�over�sight�totaled�1,390�hours�in�2010.��

Figure�24�9�–�This�machine�will�be�responsible�for�controlling�the�groundwater�and�lime�mixture�within�the�water�treatment�facil�ity,�producing�Calcium�Hydroxide.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

Figure�24�11�–�A�pressure�feeder�and�mixer�combines�to�weigh�the�tailings�and�then�inject�an�exact�percentage�of�lime�into�the�de�watered�tailings.�The�mixing�machine�then�churns�the�substances�together�to�neutralize�the�pH�of�the�tailings.�This�system�is�relatively�automated,�but�does�require�human�calibration�and�supervision.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

Figure�24�8�–�MT�DEQ�AML�project�supervisor,�Tom�Hender�son,�holds�a�section�of�soil,�displaying�the�various�strata�of�contamination�present.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

Figure�24�10�–�This�photo�depicts�the�various�layers�of�con�tamination.�Workers�must�first�de�water�all�tailings�before�they�are�treated�via�a�48�hour�in�situ�lime�treatment.�After�the�lime�treatment,�the�soils�can�be�place�into�the�repository.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�October�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�123�

25���Upper�Tenmile�Creek�Superfund�site�United�States�Environmental�Protection�Agency�

Project�Description�The�Upper�Tenmile�Creek�National�Priori�ties�List�[NPL]�site�is�a�federal�Superfund�site�located�in�Lewis�&�Clark�County.�It�is�approximately�53�square�miles�in�size,�and�comprises�the�Upper�Tenmile�Creek�water�shed�and�town�of�Rimini,�southwest�of�He�lena.�The�headwaters�of�Upper�Tenmile�Creek�flow�into�Lake�Helena�28�miles�downstream,�providing�Helena�with�roughly�50%�of�its�drinking�water.�Only�the�upper�13�miles�of�the�creek,�however,�exist�within�the�parameters�of�the�NPL�site.��The�area�around�the�NPL�site�is�largely�un�developed�with�the�exception�of�the�town�of�Rimini�[37�residential�structures],�a�small�residential�subdivision�[Landmark]�located�eight�miles�downstream�from�Rimini,�and�a�few�recreational�cabins.���The�NPL�site�is�comprised�of�150�aban�doned�or�inactive�mine�sites,�which�did�not�cease�activity�until�1953.��Reclamation�activities�at�the�site�consist�of�mine�reclamation,�construction�of�an�on�site�repository,�remediation�of�residential�yards�and�Rimini�road,�and�facilitating�the�availability�of�potable�drinking�water�for�area�residents.��Project�completion�is�expected�no�earlier�than�2012.��History�Historic�mining�at�the�site�resulted�in�un�controlled�releases�of�metal�contaminants�into�local�streams�that�has�continued�to�the�present.�These�releases�are�directly�caused�by�the�presence�of�waste�rock,�tailings,�and�contaminated�mine�water�discharge.�Arse�nic�[As],�copper�[Cu],�lead�[Pb],�and�zinc�[Zn]�are�the�primary�contaminants�of�con�

Figure�25�2�–�Contaminated�road�material�is�removed,�transported�up�to�the�continental�divide,�where�it�is�deposited�into�the�Luttrell�Reposi�tory.�This�roundtrip�venture�requires�30�45�minutes�per�trip,�depending�on�weather�conditions.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]��

Figure�25�1�–�In�the�1980s,�following�massive�flooding,�Rimini�Road�underwent�resurfacing�and�grading�using�available�mine�tailings.�This�material�began�to�be�removed�in�2010.�Impacted�soils�are�being�taken�to�the�on�site�Luttrell�Repository�and�replaced�with�non�contaminated�materials.�Portions�of�the�road�required�excavation�to�depths�of�3’.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�124�

cern�[COC]�that�pose�a�risk�to�human�health�and�the�environment�via�groundwater,�surface�water,�and�stream�contamination.���1870s�–�Major�hard�rock�mining�begins�in�the�Rimini�Mining�district.�Prospectors�seek�out�gold,�lead,�zinc,�and�copper.���1930s�to�1953�–�Limited�mining�occurs�in�the�Rimini�Mining�district.��1990s�–�The�Basin�Creek�open�pit�gold�mine�closes�[this�includes�the�site�of�the�Luttrell�Pit].��Chronology�1987�to�1990�–�Removal�and�reclamation�ac�tivities�conducted�by�Montana�Department�of�Environmental�Quality�[MT�DEQ]�at�11�mine�sites�existing�within�the�present�NPL�site.���1993�to�1994�–�MT�DEQ�conducts�investiga�tions�of�17�mine�sites.��1995�–�US�Environmental�Protection�Agency�[US�EPA]�begins�excavating�contaminated�ma�terials�located�in�residential�areas�of�the�lower�watershed.��1997�–�US�EPA�conducts�removal�action�at�the�Red�Water�Mine,�capping�on�site�mine�wastes.��1998�–�April:�Lewis�&�Clark�County�requests�assistance�from�US�EPA�and�MT�DEQ�in�connec�tion�with�blowouts�at�the�Bunker�Hill�Mine.��1999�–�June:�Environmental�Assessment�con�ducted�to�prepare�the�Luttrell�Pit�for�conver�sion�to�Luttrell�Waste�Repository,�which�will�be�able�to�contain�1,200,000�yds³�of�mine�waste.��1999�–�July:�Upper�Tenmile�Creek�site�pro�posed�for�registry�on�NPL.�Summer�1999,�Relo�cation�of�50,000�yds³�of�mine�waste�from�Red�Mountain�[Figures�25�3�and�25�4]�and�Bunker�Hill�mines.��October:�Upper�Tenmile�Creek�placed�on�NPL�[recognizing�it�as�a�federal�Superfund�site].��2000�–�Relocation�of�mine�wastes�to�the�Luttrell�Repository�continues.�

2001�–�January:�Tap�water�sampling�commences;�bottled�water�provisions�begin�for�Rimini�residents.��April�to�October�2001�–�Ecological�and�Human�Health�Risk�Assessments�conducted.��2002�–�June:�US�EPA�issues�Record�of�Decision�[ROD]�rec�ommending�“mine�land�reclamation,�establishment�of�a�site�wide�waste�repository,�remediation�of�residential�

Figure�25�3�–�150�abandoned�mine�sites�have�been�identified�and�in�cluded�in�the�Upper�Tenmile�Creek�Superfund�reclamation�project.�This�photo�depicts�the�Red�Mountain�mine,�which�releases�a�constant�flow�of�iron�saturated�water�directly�into�Upper�Tenmile�Creek�[see�Figure�4].�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]

Figure�25�4�–�The�iron�rich�effluent�released�by�the�Red�Mountain�mine�has�been�a�contributor�to�the�sterilization�of�Upper�Tenmile�Creek.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�125�

yards�and�Rimini�Road,�and�measures�to�ensure�safe�drinking�water�for�area�resi�dents.”��2003�to�2004�–�Mine�cleanup�continues�and�expands�to�include�removal�of�impacted�soils�in�residential�yards�and�at�the�neighboring�Landmark�subdivision.�Re�moved�wastes�are�taken�to�the�Luttrell�Re�pository.��2005�–�Rimini�waste�water�treatment�sys�tem�construction�commences.��2006�–�Residential�yard�cleanup�continues�at�Rimini�with�waste�taken�to�Luttrell�Re�pository.��2007�–�Contaminated�soils�continue�to�be�excavated�and�removed�to�the�Luttrell�Re�pository.��2008�–�Landmark�subdivision�continues�resi�dential�yard�cleanup.��2009�–�The�Upper�Tenmile�project�receives�three�separate�American�Reinvestment�and�Recovery�Act�[ARRA]�grants�totaling�$4,990,932.�These�funds�are�specifically�allo�cated�for�project�construction.��2009�to�2010�–�Installation�of�septic�and�residential�wells�begins;�Rimini�Road�cleanup�commences,�and�residential�prop�erty�remediation�and�revegetation�contin�ues.��Current�Project�Current�work�at�the�Upper�Tenmile�NPL�site�consists�of�continued�remediation�activities�in�residential�areas.�This�includes�removing�contaminated�soils,�replacing�the�removed�quantities�with�clean�soil,�and�re�grading�and�re�vegetating�the�residential�areas.��Additionally,�work�to�remove�contaminated�wells�and�septic�systems�and�replace�them�with�new,�uncontaminated�units�will�con�tinue.�Rimini�Road�work�will�continue�until�all�contaminated�road�waste�has�been�re�moved,�placed�in�the�Luttrell�Repository�and�replaced�with�untainted�road�material.��

Institutional�controls�will�be�placed�on�future�ground�water�wells�construction,�continued�surface�water�and�groundwa�ter�remediation�activities�will�be�conducted,�and�creation�and�implementation�of�performance�standards�and�points�of�compliance�for�the�Luttrell�groundwater�monitoring�network�and�treatment�facility�will�be�instituted.��Upper�Tenmile�construction�activities�are�not�expected�to�be�completed�prior�to�2012.�

Figure�25�5�–�All�property�owners�in�Rimini�were�provided�with�the�op�tion�of�having�their�septic�systems�and�drinking�water�wells�replaced�using�EPA�Superfund�monies.�95%�of�owners�agreed�to�have�their�con�taminated�wells�replaced�and�new�septic�systems�installed.�Above,�a�worker�connects�septic�lines�to�a�residence’s�newly�installed�system.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�25�6�–�Remediation�of�residential�yards�has�been�a�primary�undertaking�throughout�the�2010�work�season.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�126�

Cost�and�Source�of�Funds�The�US�EPA�has�spent�roughly�$63,000,000�from�2002�to�Janu�ary�2010�at�the�Upper�Tenmile�Superfund�site.�These�expendi�tures�reflect�project�design,�EPA�indirect�costs,�remedial�project�work,�and�removal�project�ac�tivities.��Between�2002�and�2008,�an�additional�$19,500,000�was�al�lotted�for�construction�pur�poses�only.�These�funds�arrived�in�the�form�of�a�MT�DEQ�State�Superfund�contract.����$4,990,932�was�provided�via�three�separate�American�Rein�vestment�and�Recovery�Act�[ARRA]�grants.�These�funds�were�applied�to�off�set�con�struction�costs�associated�with�reclamation�activities�in�2010,�and�could�not�be�applied�to�project�design�or�oversight.��Data�on�specific�project�costs�are�being�withheld�per�a�Federal�Confidentiality�Business�agreement�between�CDM�and�EPA,�as�are�labor�figures�by�CDM�(the�lead�engineering�firm)�and�Bullock�Con�struction�(lead�contractor).�Additional�surveying�and�engineering�work�was�subcontracted�to�Mor�rison�Maierle�in�2010.��EPA�indicated�that�contrac�tors�and�sub�contractors�on�the�project�will�not�be�releasing�billing�information�or�employee�wage�information�for�work�at�Upper�Tenmile�(Dan�Hare,�EPA�employee�tracking�stimulus�funds).�Per�phone�communications�with�Neil�Marsh�(CDM�project�manager)�and�Mike�Bishop�(EPA�project�manager),�all�data�on�the�project�for�the�public�is�available�at�the�recovery.gov�website.��This�data�was�insuffi�cient�for�a�more�detailed�examination�of�costs�.�[Future�contact�on�site�expenditures:�Julie�DalSo�glio,�Montana�EPA�director.]��

Project�Design�Project�design�was�conducted�by�CDM.��Project�Labor�ARRA�project�labor�is�conducted�by�CDM,�which�sub�contracted�earthmoving�to�Bullock�Construction�[Boulder].�Bullock�Construction�subcontracted�to�three�separate�companies�for�drilling/blasting�to�enlarge�the�repository,�surveying,�trucking,�and�sep�tic�system�installation.��No�construction�contract�existed�for�the�2009�work�season.��Project�Oversight�Project�oversight�is�being�conducted�by�Mike�Bishop,�EPA�site�Project�Manager,�and�Neil�Marsh,�CDM�Project�Manager.�

Figure�25�7�–The�Luttrell�Repository�was�constructed�on�US�Forest�Service�land�along�the�Continental�Divide�to�contain�the�estimated�1,200,000�yds³.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]��

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�127�

Figure�25�9�–�Directly�beneath�the�Luttrell�Repository�is�a�water�treatment�facility�that�traps�and�treats�all�runoff�at�a�rate�of�60�70�gallons�per�minute.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�25�11�–�Resistance�to�EPA�assistance�has�been�mar�ginal;�however,�it�is�present.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�25�8�–�A�grizzly�screen�is�used�to�separate�large�rip�rap�material�from�contaminated�soils.�The�soils�are�taken�to�the�Luttrell�Repository,�while�the�rip�rap�is�used�for�backfill.�[H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�25�10����Contaminated�runoff�is�treated�with�a�Barium�Hydroxide�mixture,�where�sulfates�are�held�to�a�250ppm�standard�before�they�can�be�sprayed�into�the�surrounding�forests.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�128�

26���Spring�Meadow�Lake�Reclamation�Project�Montana�Department�of�Environmental�Quality�[MT�DEQ]�

Abandoned�Mine�Lands�[AML]�Section��

Project�Description�The�MT�DEQ�AML�section�is�responsible�for�reclaiming�former�mine�sites.�The�stipula�tions�detailing�eligibility�for�AML�reclama�tion�require�that�the�site�be�affected�by�past�mining�and�processing�practices,�aban�doned�or�left�in�an�un�reclaimed�condition�prior�to�August�3,�1977,�and�that�there�is�no�continuing�reclamation�responsibility.���Spring�Meadow�Lake�State�Park�[SMLSP]�is�located�directly�west�of�Helena�along�High�way�12�in�Lewis�and�Clark�County.�It�re�ceives�85,000�visitors�annually,�and�lies�ad�jacent�to�the�Montana�Wildlife�Center�[MWC].�SMLSP’s�61.1�acres�is�administered�by�the�Montana�Department�of�Fish,�Wild�life,�and�Parks.�The�SMLSP�reclamation�pro�ject�comprised�portions�of�both�SMLSP�and�the�MWC.��Historic�mineral�processing�at�the�site�left�an�estimated�34,300�yds³�of�contaminated�tailings�and�soils�on�SMLSP�and�MWC�lands.�Additional�contaminated�sediments�were�present�along�the�East�Arm�of�Spring�Meadow�Lake.�These�contaminants�con�sisted�of�elevated�concentrations�of�arsenic�[As],�lead�[Pb],�and�manganese�[Mn].�Ele�vated�concentrations�of�arsenic�and�man�ganese�were�also�detected�in�groundwater�at�the�MWC,�as�well�as�in�surface�water�along�the�East�Arm�portion�of�Spring�Meadow�Lake.���As�this�site�is�home�to�a�30�acre�man�made�lake,�frequented�by�recreationalists�for�fishing�and�swimming�activities,�the�SMLSP�reclamation�project�garnered�a�high�priority�status�for�reclamation�activities�by�MT�DEQ�AML.��The�overall�intent�of�this�reclamation�pro�ject�was�to�protect�human�health�and�the�

environment�via�the�removal�of�contaminated�soils�and�to�reduce�the�mobility�of�those�contaminants�in�the�environ�ment.�Reclamation�activities�consisted�of�excavating�and�hauling�wastes�to�two�offsite�landfills,�backfilling�and�grad�

Figure�26�2�–�This�photo�depicts�how�the�large,�subsurface�boulders�and�cobbles�were�separated�from�contaminated�soils�using�a�grizzly�screen,�enabling�the�larger�materials�to�be�re�placed�in�excavated�areas.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]�

Figure�26�1�–�Centennial�Concrete�and�Septic�was�subcontracted�to�screen�and�treat�specific�excavated�materials.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�129�

ing,�and�placing�cover�soil�at�affected�areas.�Work�concluded�with�the�revegetation�of�dis�turbed�areas.��History�1892�1901,�Stedman�Foundry�and�Machine�Co.�operated�at�this�location,�manufacturing�machinery�and�hardware.��1906�1910,�Western�Improved�Wire�Fence�Co.�manufactured�wire�fences,�fence�posts,�and�other�fencing�supplies.��1910�1915,�Northwestern�Metals�Co.�oper�ated�an�ore�reduction�milling�facility.�This�process�included�the�use�of�dry�chlorination,�which�has�been�directly�attributed�to�some�of�the�waste�at�the�site.��1916�1920,�New�York�Montana�Testing�and�Engineering�Co.�operated�a�mill�facility�that�processed�ore�from�Butte�and�Philipsburg.�This�entity�is�recognized�as�being�responsible�for�the�majority�of�contamination�at�the�site.��1928�1957,�Helena�Sand�&�Gravel�operated�a�sand�and�gravel�pit,�ready�mix�plant,�and�cold�mix�asphalt�plant�[this�enterprise�ultimately�resulted�in�the�creation�of�Spring�Meadow�Lake,�as�the�open�gravel�pit�filled�with�water].���1957�1964,�Carson�Construction�Co.�operated�a�gravel�pit.��SML�property�was�purchased�by�the�state�and�officially�designated�a�State�Park�in�1985.��Chronology�Heavy�metals�were�discovered�along�the�shoreline�of�Spring�Meadow�Lake�by�a�Carroll�College�student�in�2002.�These�findings�were�reported�to�the�Montana�Department�of�Fish,�Wildlife,�and�Parks�[the�oversight�entity�of�SMLSP],�which�contacted�MT�DEQ�shortly�thereafter.���A�Site�Inspection�and�hazardous�materials�in�ventory�was�conducted�by�Tetra�Tech�EMI�[TTE]�[Helena]�at�the�behest�of�MT�DEQ�AML�in�2004.��

In�2005,�MT�DEQ�AML�and�TTE�undertook�a�reclamation�in�vestigation�consisting�of�extensive�sampling�and�risk�analysis.�MT�DEQ�AML�and�Renewable�Technologies�Inc.�[Butte]�com�pleted�a�chronology�of�site�owner/operator�history,�and�a�cultural�resource�investigation�to�determine�if�any�of�the�structures�qualified�for�listing�on�the�State�or�National�His�torical�Record.�They�received�$16,276�for�their�services.�Ex�panded�engineering�evaluation�and�a�cost�analysis�occurred�in�2006,�to�aide�in�evaluating�reclamation�options�and�costs.���

Figure�26�3�–�The�contaminated�soils�were�placed�in�covered�street�legal�haul�trucks�and�driven�to�the�solid�waste�management�facilities�with�tarps�covering�the�materials�to�prevent�them�from�becoming�airborne�pollutants.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]��

Figure�26�4�–�The�cement�mixing�plant�that�was�mobilized�to�the�site�feeds�the�screened�waste�through�this�system,�which�adds�a�10%�ce�ment�mixture�to�the�waste,�thus�stabilizing�the�material�prior�to�hauling�it�to�the�solid�waste�management�facility.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]��

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�130�

In�2006,�the�Agency�for�Toxic�Substances�&�Disease�Registry�became�involved.�This�agency�evaluates�health�risks�to�children�from�metal�exposure.��In�2009,�a�stabilization�evaluation�was�under�taken�by�MT�DEQ�AML�and�TTE�on�the�Pattern�House.�The�results�of�this�study�indicated�that�necessary�soil�excavation�at�the�MWC�would�require�extra�stabilization�methods�to�prevent�possible�damage�to�the�Pattern�House;�how�ever,�this�potential�situation�proved�moot�as�MT�FWP�chose�to�remove�the�Pattern�House�due�to�its�dilapidated�state�after�suffering�through�two�fires.���Soil�and�sediment�removal�began�along�the�shore�of�the�East�Arm�of�Spring�Meadow�Lake�in�February�2009.�This�process�was�begun�while�the�water�level�was�low�and�the�sedi�ment�dry;�however,�the�majority�of�reclama�tion�activities�occurred�between�August�and�December�2009.�During�this�time,�contami�nated�soils�were�removed�from�the�site�and�sent�to�the�Lewis�&�Clark�landfill�and�the�Val�ley�View�Landfill.��The�final�amount�of�contaminated�soils�re�moved�from�the�site�greatly�exceeded�pre�project�estimates,�totaling�51,556�yds³�at�SMLSP�and�4,849�yds³�at�MWC.��Some�waste�material�at�the�MWC�failed�the�Toxic�Characteristic�Leaching�Procedure�[TCLP]�laboratory�test,�which�is�a�test�to�determine�if�metals�will�leach�into�the�surrounding�envi�ronment�when�exposed�to�moisture.�Since�all�soils�are�required�to�pass�the�TCLP�test�prior�to�legal�disposal�at�a�landfill,�all�waste�material�at�the�MWC�was�dry�mixed�with�10%�cement,�tested�to�ensure�it�passed�TCLP,�and�only�then�allowed�to�be�shipped�offsite�and�disposed.�A�pilot�test�was�performed�by�MT�DEQ�AML�and�TTE�to�ensure�the�treatment�was�effective�[Figure�26�9].�Soil�samples�collected�at�the�SMLSP�passed�TCLP�with�no�treatment�neces�sary.��Excavation�processes�at�SMLSP�entailed�re�moval�of�soils�to�depths�greater�than�2’�

throughout�much�of�the�affected�area�[Figures�26�5,�26�6,�&�26��7].��38,381�yds³�of�clean�cover�soil�were�imported�to�the�SMLSP�and�MWC�sites�to�replace�the�excavated,�contami�nated�soils.�12�acres�of�the�site�then�required�fertilizing,�seeding,�and�mulching�to�restore�it�to�its�previous,�recrea�tional�purposes.�This�phase�of�the�project�was�completed�in�December�2009.�

Figure�26�5�–�Much�of�the�contamination�permeated�depths�greater�than�2’;�therefore,�it�was�necessary�to�excavate�large�quantities�of�soil�to�ensure�complete�and�accurate�reclamation.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]�

Figure�26�6�–�Excavation�near�the�East�Arm�of�Spring�Meadow�Lake�[background]�was�conducted�with�extreme�care�to�avoid�further�con�tamination�of�this�swimming�and�fishing�destination.�[Photo:�Prop�erty�of�MT�DEQ]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�131�

Current�Project�Current�project�activities�involve�monitoring�revege�tation�and�erosion�patterns�at�the�site.�This�is�being�conducted�by�MT�DEQ�AML�employees.��Cost�and�Source�of�Funds�Total�project�cost,�including�engineering�and�con�struction�costs,�equaled�$2,541,159.���The�MT�DEQ�AML�program�receives�funding�to�con�duct�abandoned�mine�reclamation�activities�through�a�grant�from�the�national�Office�of�Surface�Mining�[OSM].�OSM�grant�money�provided�the�project�with�$2,241,159�for�the�SMLSP�reclamation�project.�OSM�grant�funds�applied�to�Montana�reclamation�pro�jects�arrive�from�a�tax�levied�on�each�ton�of�ore�ex�tracted�from�coal�mine�sites�in�Montana.���An�additional�$300,000�was�provided�for�reclama�tion�activities�via�a�Montana�Department�of�Natural�Resources�and�Conservation�[DNRC]�Reclamation�and�Development�grant�[RDG].��Project�Design�Tetra�Tech�EMI�[Helena]�received�$271,887�for�engi�neering�and�sampling�work�on�the�project.�$87,142�was�allocated�specifically�for�3,016�hours�of�labor,�with�wage�rates�ranging�from�$13/hr.�for�clerical�services�to�$57.26/hr.�for�soil�scientist�labor.�The�mean�wage�for�engineering�work�on�this�project�was�$28.89/hr.�Other�labor�supplied�by�Tetra�Tech�EMI�

consisted�of�civil�engineers,�geologists,�computer�graphics�specialists,�architects,�geochemists,�and�administrative�support.��Project�Labor�Construction�labor�totaled�$2,269,272,�and�all�on�site�labor�was�conducted�at�Davis�Bacon�wage�rates.��Helena�Sand�&�Gravel�[Helena]�received�the�con�tract�for�sediment�removal,�which�totaled�$9,680;�this�work�was�conducted�over�four�days,�on�site.���The�reclamation�construction�contract�was�awarded�to�Mungas�Company�Inc.�[Philipsburg],�which�re�ceived�$2,259,592�for�their�services.�Mungas�labor�included�Equipment�Operators�I�[$31.52/hr.],�II�[$31.99/hr.],�and�III�[$32.39/hr.],�Labor�II�[$23.89/hr.],�Truck�Driver�II�[$24.76/hr.],�and�regular�[off�site]�labor�[$18.50/hr.].�Mungas�labor�totaled�$181,670�for�6,473�hours�of�labor,�for�an�average�hourly�wage�of�$28.07.��Mungas�Company�Inc.�subcontracted�work�to�Cen�tennial�Concrete�and�Septic�[Butte]�in�the�amount�of�$104,280�for�screening�and�treating�excavated,�con�taminated�materials�at�a�rate�of�$28.73/ton.�This�figure�reflects�the�treatment�of�3,630�tons�by�Cen�tennial�Concrete�and�Septic.��K&S�Hydroseed�[Missoula]�was�subcontracted�in�the�amount�of�$21,996�to�fertilize�and�seed�the�site.�Equipment�used�included�a�hydroseeder�and�a�trac�tor�with�drill�seeder,�hay�buster,�and�crimper�attach�

Figure�26�7�–Test�pits�were�dug�to�collect�sam�ples�to�determine�the�extent�of�contaminated�soils.��[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�132�

The�hauling�subcontractor�remittances�reflect�25,430�tons�of�impacted�material�transported�to�the�two�offsite�landfills.���Project�Oversight�Project�oversight�was�conducted�by�MT�DEQ�AML�Reclamation�Specialist,�Pebbles�Clark.��Special�Certifications�Required�All�personnel�working�onsite�were�required�to�pos�sess�current�Hazardous�Waste�Operations�and�Emergency�Response�[HAZWOPER]�certification.�

Figure�26�9�–�This�photo�depicts�the�soil/cement�mixing�pilot�test,�which�was�completed�to�determine�the�effectiveness�of�dry�mixing�10%�cement�with�affected�soils.�This�combination,�when�in�contact�with�moisture,�causes�the�affected�soils�to�be�encapsulated�in�the�cement,�thus�preventing�the�metals�from�leaching�into�the�environment.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]�

Figure�26�11�–�All�walking�trails�that�were�disturbed�through�out�the�August�December�2009�reclamation�project�were�re�constructed�upon�the�projects’�completion,�enabling�future�recreation�activities�to�occur�at�Spring�Meadow�Lake�State�Park.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�September�2010]��

Figure�26�8�–�A�total�of�12�acres�required�reclamation�ac�tivities�at�SMLSP.�This�action�resulted�in�51,556�yds³�of�con�taminated�soil�being�removed�from�the�site.�[Photo:�Prop�erty�of�MT�DEQ]�

Figure�26�10�–�Nearly�all�soil�excavation�at�the�site�occurred�with�the�aid�of�heavy�machinery.�Note�the�rust�colored�soils�along�the�right�hand�side�of�this�trench�indicating�the�pres�ence�of�heavy�metals.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]�

ments.��Reseeding�of�the�area�was�calculated�at�rates�combining�equipment�and�labor�cost,�totaling�$3,430�for�18�hours�of�equipment�use�plus�indirect�costs.���Schnell�Excavating�[Butte]�and�Montana�Express�LLC�[Clancy]�were�both�subcontracted�by�Mungas�Co.�to�provide�trucks�and�drivers�to�transport�affected�ma�terials�to�the�two�off�site�landfills�at�a�rate�of�$3.72/ton.�Schnell�Excavating�received�$72,842�and�Mon�tana�Express�LLC�received�$21,757�for�their�services.�Truck�driving�wages�ranged�from�$95�110/hour�for�work�on�the�SMLSP�project,�with�labor�hours�incor�porated�into�an�hourly�truck�rate.�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�133�

27���Zortman�and�Landusky�Mines�Spectrum�Engineering�

Project�Description�The�Zortman�and�Landusky�mines�are�situ�ated�on�land�jointly�owned�on�private�lands�and�United�States�Bureau�of�Land�Management�[BLM]�federal�lands�south�east�of�Havre.�The�Zortman�mine�is�com�prised�of�401�acres,�while�the�Landusky�site�is�1,200�acres�in�size.��Current�reclamation�activities�occurring�at�the�site�are�aimed�at�groundwater�and�surface�water�treatment,�as�well�as�an�upgrade�of�operating�facilities,�including�construction�and�installation�of�a�wind�powered�turbine�to�reduce�electricity�costs.��History�The�Zortman�and�Landusky�sites�operated�as�gold�mines�beginning�shortly�after�the�discovery�of�gold�by�Pike�Landusky�and�Pete�Zortman�in�the�late�1880s.�Historic�methods�used�to�extract�the�mineral�con�sisted�of�underground�mining�and�vat�leaching.�A�28�mi²�portion�of�the�present�mine�site�was�purchased�for�mining�explo�ration�from�the�Fort�Belknap�Reservation�in�1895�under�the�Grinnell�Treaty�for�$360,000.��In�1979,�Pegasus�Gold�Inc.�acquired�min�ing�rights�to�the�site�and�began�a�cyanide�heap�leaching�mine�operation.�In�1993,�heavy�rains�sent�acid�mine�drainage�into�the�town�of�Zortman,�at�which�time�the�US�Environmental�Protection�Agency�[EPA]�fined�the�mining�company�for�ille�gally�disposing�of�lead,�arsenic,�cyanide,�and�other�wastes�into�seven�adjacent�drainages.�This�suit�was�settled�out�of�court�in�1996,�at�which�time�Pegasus�agreed�to�pay�a�$32�million�water�bond�and�$4.7�million�in�reparations�to�be�di�vided�among�the�Fort�Belknap�tribal�coun�cil,�the�state�of�Montana,�and�the�federal�

government.�Pegasus�declared�bankruptcy�in�January�1998.�At�its�height�of�operation,�Pegasus�employed�250�individuals,�including�an�environmental�remediation�team�consisting�of�more�than�a�dozen�employees.�As�part�of�an�out�of�court�set�

Figure�27�2�–�ARRA�funds�being�used�to�construct�three�new�settling�ponds�on�top�of�the�Landusky�mining�site�[elevation:�5,300’].�[Photo:�H.�Janssen;�August�2010]�

Figure�27�1�–�Settling�pond�located�at�Landusky�mine.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen;�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�134�

tlement,�a�$30�million�reclamation�bond,�a�$14�million�short�term�water��treatment�bond,�and�a�$15�million�long�term�water�treatment�trust�fund�were�settled�upon�by�the�Montana�Department�of�Environmental�Quality�[MT�DEQ],�Pegasus�Gold�Inc.,�and�the�BLM.�These�funds�were�mostly�exhausted�by�2008,�and�the�state�of�Montana,�in�conjunction�with�the�BLM,�has,�to�date,�expended�an�additional�$12�million�at�the�site�for�the�purposes�of�reclama�tion�and�water�treatment�operations.���Presently,�the�annual�operating�costs�at�the�site�are�roughly�$1.5�million,�twice�the�amount�of�the�annual�water�treatment�bond�available.�The�difference�has,�to�date,�been�made�up�primarily�by�BLM�funds.��In�2010,�the�American�Recovery�and�Reinvest�ment�Act�[ARRA]�granted�$3�million�for�up�grades�to�the�facilities,�which�would�serve�to�re�duce�annual�costs�associated�with�water�treat�ment�activities�at�both�sites.���Current�oversight�is�managed�under�BLM’s�CERCLA�authority.��Chronology�MT�DEQ,�in�collaboration�with�the�BLM,�as�sumed�operational�management�of�the�Zort�man�and�Landusky�sites�in�1999.�Since�this�time,�reclamation�activities�have�focused�upon�treating�surface�and�groundwater�discharged�from�the�two�mine�locations,�as�well�as�water�treatment�actions�at�Swift�Gulch�Creek,�which�rests�to�the�north�and�down�gradient�from�the�Landusky�mine�site.�These�approaches�were�undertaken�utilizing�the�water�treatment�and�reclamation�bonds�posted�by�Pegasus�Gold�Inc.�from�the�bankruptcy�proceedings.��ARRA�funded�work�on�the�Zortman�and�Lan�dusky�sites�began�in�February�2010.�Spectrum�Engineering�[Billings]�was�retained�to�oversee�the�implementation�of�operational�upgrades.�This�work�included�the�construction�of�three�lined�11�million�gallon�settling�ponds�at�the�Lan�dusky�site,�upgrading�the�components�of�the�lime�treatment�facilities�at�both�the�Zortman�and�Landusky�treatment�facilities,�installation�of�a�

wind�turbine,�upgrading�the�Swift�Gulch�Creek�water�treatment�facilities,�purchase�of�sludge�removal�equipment,�and�for�maintenance�on�existing�equip�ment.�Water�treatment�facilities�at�the�Swift�Gulch�Creek�facility�add�lime�to�diverted�creek�water�in�huge�processing�vats�[Figure�27�3].�This�enables�a�reaction�that�increases�the�alkalinity�of�mine�drain�

Figure�27�3�–�Temporary�water�treatment�facility�along�the�Swift�Gulch�Creek�drainage.�This�was�replaced�in�fall�2010�with�a�permanent�water�treatment�system�depicted�in�Figure�27�4.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen;�August�2010]�

Figure�27�4�–�Present�Swift�Gulch�water�treatment�system�that�replaced�the�temporary�one�depicted�in�Figure�27�3.�This�upgrade�was�conducted�using�2010�ARRA�funds.�[Photo:�Spectrum�Engineering]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�135�

age,�causing�dissolved�metals�to�form�solid�phase�oxides�and�sul�fates�which�settle�in�water.�These�chemical�compounds�are�heavier�than�discharged�water�and�settle�to�the�base�of�sediment�ponds.�This�sediment�is�removed�and�placed�into�a�lined�on�site�repository.���Both�the�Zortman�treat�ment�facility�and�the�Landusky�treatment�facility�are�automated�and�monitored�by�a�sin�gle�individual.�One�goal�of�the�ARRA�upgrades�is�for�the�Swift�Gulch�Creek�facility�to�become�automated�and�remotely�accessible�without�ne�cessitating�on�site�labor.��Current�Project�Spectrum�Engineering�is�presently�responsible�for�the�continued�remediation�work�at�the�Zortman�and�Landusky�sites.�The�seven�staff�workers�em�ployed�by�Spectrum�were�all�previously�employed�by�Pegasus�Gold�Inc.�and�were�retained�for�contin�ued�remediation�services.�Monitoring�and�mainte�nance�work�at�the�site�is�conducted�by�Spectrum�employees�year�round,�with�the�construction�sea�son�occurring�between�May�and�September.���ARRA�funded�work� began� in� April� 2010,� and,� with�the�exception�of�the�wind�turbine�project,�was�com�pleted� by� December� 2010.� The� wind� turbine� pro�ject’s�expected�completion�date�is�2012.���Cost�and�Source�of�Funds�The�present�upgrade�projects�being�undertaken�at�the�Zortman�and�Landusky�sites�are�funded�by�a�$3�million�ARRA�grant.���2009�annual�operation�and�maintenance�[O&M]�costs�were�funded�through�a�BLM�contribution�of�$1,046,000,�which�was�augmented�by�additional�

funds�from�the�Resource�Indemnity�Tax�[RIT]�[a�coal�tax�placed�upon�mines�that�is�determined�by�ton�nage�removed�and�which�is�managed�by�the�Depart�ment�of�Natural�Resources�and�Conservation].�The�2009�RIT�provided�$62,027�for�Zortman�and�Lan�dusky�O&M.�$55,000�was�provided�via�remaining�funds�from�the�reclamation�bond.��A�final�$731,000�was�provided�from�MT�DEQ�through�a�surety�bond�set�aside�for�water�treatment�at�mine�sites.�The�to�tal�working�budget�for�2009�O&M�activities�at�the�Zortman�and�Landusky�sites�equaled�$2,362,000.��ARRA�funded�Project�Design�and�Labor�Spectrum�Engineering�[Billings]�served�as�the�lead�contractor�on�the�ARRA�funded�work�conducted�at�the�Zortman�and�Landusky�sites.���There�were�three�main�subcontractors�also�hired�for�this�work.�MK�Weeden�[MKW]�[Lewistown]�was�hired�to�perform�the�majority�of�the�earthwork�at�the�construction�site�of�the�new�Landusky�Biological�treatment�ponds.�Ionic�Water�Technologies�[IWT]�[Reno,�NV]�was�also�secured�as�consultants�on�both�of�the�water�treatment�facility�upgrades.�Lastly,�Electrical�Consultants�Inc.�[ECI]�[Billings]�was�sub�

Figure�27�5�–�Surveying�occurring�at�the�site,�to�ensure�accuracy�with�excavation�and�installation�of�the�settling�ponds�atop�the�Landusky�mine�site.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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contracted�for�review�of�the�sites’�electrical�grids�and�development�of�a�plan�for�integrating�wind�power.��Work�performed�by�MKW�consisted�of:�bulldozing,�excavating,�a�lowboy,�and�truck�driving�labor�to�re�move�soil�and�provide�room�for�construction�of�three�large�holding�ponds.�For�their�work�they�re�ceived�a�total�of�$393,593�of�which�$58,305�[14.8%�of�the�total�received]�was�paid�to�laborers.�This�fig�ure�reflects�2,155�total�hours,�for�an�average�wage�of�$27.52/hr.�The�compensation�for�these�positions�ranged�from�$19.50�29.44/hr.�and�MKW�employees�receive�medical�insurance�and�a�401k�option.���The�total�construction�cost�of�the�permanent�Swift�Gulch�Treatment�System�was�$652,800.�Labor�to�construct�this�facility�consisted�of�consultation�sup�plied�by�IWT�at�$75/hr.�for�360�hours�and�$150/hr.�for�24�hours,�totaling�$30,600.�Additional�Spectrum�Engineering�fees�for�this�project�were�$12,840�at�$107/hr.�for�120�hours,�while�electrical�wiring�of�the�new�facilities�was�supplied�at�a�rate�of�$1,200/�day�for�12�days,�totaling�$14,400.�Labor�to�install�the�requisite�two�5,000�gallon�tanks,�flow�meters,�con�crete,�and�a�lime�silo,�totaled�$33,000�at�a�rate�of�$50/hr.�for�660�billable�hours.�Thus,�the�total�labor�

cost�for�the�Swift�Gulch�Treatment�facility�was�$90,800�reflecting�1,260�total�labor�hours,�or�14%�of�the�total�construction�cost.��Upgrades�to�the�Landusky�Biological�Treatment�Plant�facility�were�$1,134,200.�Consulting�and�engi�neering�fees�reflect�$87,200�of�this�sum.�Consulting�costs�provided�by�IWT�totaled�$39,000�at�rates�of�$75/hr.�for�400�hours�and�$150/hr.�for�60�hours.�Spectrum�Engineering�accrued�450�billable�hours�on�this�upgrade�at�$107/hr.�totaling�$48,200.�Construc�tion�costs�associated�with�the�Landusky�upgrade�totaled�$1,047,000,�and�was�comprised�of�lump�sum�payments�per�task�and�payments�based�upon�cubic�yardage.�Engineering�and�consultation�costs�reflect�4.6%�of�the�total�facility�construction�costs.��Upgrades�to�the�Zortman�Water�Treatment�Facility�total�$76,900,�with�$3,200�arriving�in�the�form�of�Spectrum�Engineering�fees,�reflecting�32�billable�hours�at�$100/hr.�Construction�costs�consisted�of�a�$13,700�lump�sum�payment.�Total�construction�and�engineering�figures�totaled�$16,900,�which�reflects�22%�of�the�upgrade�costs�at�this�location.��The�construction�of�an�on�site�wind�turbine�repre�sents�$1,124,100�in�ARRA�grant�funds.�Consulting�

Figure�27�6�–�Com�puters�now�function�to�operate�the�wa�ter�treatment�facili�ties�at�both�mine�sites,�with�a�single�individual�responsi�ble�for�overseeing�each�site’s�water�treatment�opera�tions�per�shift.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�137�

for�this�project�by�ECI�consisted�of�$72,000�for�600�billable�hours�at�$120/hr.�with�an�additional�$33,500�arriving�in�construction�and�engineering�labor.�These�totals�represent�9.4%�of�total�Wind�Turbine�construction�project�costs.����2009�Annual�Project�Labor�The�O&M�budget�for�the�Zortman�and�Landusky�mines�varies�based�upon�congressional�allocation�from�year�to�year.�It�has�consistently�been�near�$2�million;�however,�it�is�increasing�owing�to�inflation�and�the�addition�of�new�treatment�facilities.�The�annual�budget�is�largely�contingent�on�annual�rain�fall,�and�is�estimated�in�advance�by�Spectrum�Engi�neering�with�MT�DEQ�oversight.���The�2009�O&M�budget�equaled�$2,362,000.�2009�Spectrum�Engineering�labor�expenditures�were�$471,405.�This�total�labor�cost�expresses�both�on��and�off�site�labor�conducted�by�Spectrum�Engineer�

ing.�An�additional�$251,621�was�expended�upon�subcontractor�labor.���On�site�labor�expenses�for�the�seven�Spectrum�em�ployees�for�2009�totaled�$417,156.�These�employ�ees�are�comprised�of�four�water�treatment�plant�operators�[Avg.�wage�$22.08/hr.],�one�site�manager�[$29.14/hr.],�one�electrician�[$25.94/hr.],�and�one�field�technician�[Avg.�wage�$19.87/hr.].�The�remain�ing�$54,249�was�accrued�through�584�billable�hours�to�the�Spectrum�Engineering�Billings�office�[Avg.�wage�$92.89/hr.].�Spectrum�employees�receive�medical�insurance�and�a�401k�option.�Spectrum�does�provide�additional,�summer�labor�on�a�yearly,�need�based�schedule.��Project�Oversight�Project�oversight�is�conducted�jointly�by�Spectrum�Engineering,�MT�DEQ,�and�the�BLM.��

Figure�27�7�–�Excavation�and�surveying�occurring�at�the�site�of�the�Landusky�settling�ponds.�MK�Weeden�was�re�sponsible�for�excavation�activi�ties,�while�Spectrum�Engineer�ing�was�responsible�for�day�to�day�operations�and�oversight.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

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OCRMW—MT�AFL�CIO,�Restoration�Study,�2012�–�P.�138�

Figure�27�9�–�This�photo�depicts�the�same�area�as�Figure�8,�with�third�year�vegetation�that�was�introduced.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]�

Figure�27�11�–�Remediated�lands�can�be�viewed�in�the�fore�ground�of�this�photo,�with�un�remediated�property�present�existing�on�the�exposed�hillside�in�the�background.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�

Figure�27�8�–�The�above�depicts�the�Lan�dusky�site,�prior�to�the�commencement�of�remediation�activities.�[Photo:�Property�of�MT�DEQ]�

Figure�27�10�–�The�Zortman�water�treatment�facility�rests�adjacent�to�previously�remediated�lands.�[Photo:�H.�Janssen,�August�2010]�